Otolith size trends in marine fish communities from different depth strata

摘要: A comparison of 681 saccular otoliths (sagitta) from 134 species belonging to six demersal communities different depth strata and the epipelagic community north-western Mediterranean Sea was made in order study otolith relative size function related morphologies. relationship between composition, habitat found. The characterized by with very small sizes (68% species). In communities, proportion large sagitta increased until 750 m (reached 50% upper slope). abyssal (between 1000 2000 m), however, a decrease mean an increase otoliths. With exception community, endogenous causes (a mixture geneaology, plesiomorph characters shared all taxonomic group recent adaptive ones) may be even more important than exogenous factors determining size. Within that condition size, features associated specialization acoustic communication are relevant.