A contribution to the life history and distribution of Atlantic species of the deep-sea fish genus Conocara (Alepocephalidae)

摘要: Abstract The bathyal-abyssal alepocephalid genus Conocara comprises six Atlantic species. These species have broad but spotty distributions. macropterum and C. murrayi are known only from the Atlantic. remaining also occur in other oceans. In Bahamian basins occurs between 1239 2166 m. Mean population density 1300 1500 m is 243 fish km −2 , mean biomass 13,396 g . Over its depth range of 1363–2404 m, fiolenti displays a 0.9 3.1 Reproduction appears to be aseasonal. Mature ova large (6 mm diameter) fecundity low (57–490 ova), both typically features. Overall, females outnumber males 1.9:1. 5 ova, fecundities 113–170. Females attain larger size than males. Standard length at first maturity 225 mm, 268 mm. Maximum 368 frequency distribution bimodal. Modes abundance over intervals 50–150 (early juveniles) 250–350 (mature adults). This pattern suggests high juvenile mortality coupled with rapid growth full adult size. Rapid would selectively advantageous, terms predator avoidance efficiency feeding locomotion. Species varied diet. Small consume mostly polychaetes, copepods, ostracods; feed heavily on decapod crustaceans teleosts. Salps consumed by all classes, sediment ingestion frequent. Dietary similar, except that teleosts not eaten, unimportant. were dominant food item