Metabolic rates and energy content of deep-sea benthic decapod crustaceans in the western Mediterranean Sea

摘要: Abstract A total of 23 species deep-sea benthic decapod crustaceans were collected in the Catalan Sea (western Mediterranean) at different depths (200–1250 m) but same environmental temperature (13°C) winter 1992 and 1993. Studies on oxygen consumption energy content carried out exhibiting two life strategies: nektobenthic (benthic with a slight locomotory ability) benthic-endobenthic (strictly species). The styles associated patterns metabolic rate content. On whole, rates, contents, organic matter contents higher for strategy than strategy. When results related to depth maximum abundance consid-ered, it appeared that upper slope community (200–450 m depth) had significantly lower (as kJ g -1 ash-free dry mass) middle (550–1250 m depth), no significant trend was found when expressed as function wet mass. exhibited decrease an increase (when mass), water increasing over strata considered (200–450 550–1250 m). It concluded rates deeper-living species, compared shallower-living result general reduction. is likely rely more heavily visual predation deeperliving (light-limited environment), this fact discussed explanation reduction Mediterranean along gradient present study (200–1250 m).