Vertical behavior and diet of albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) vary with latitude in the South Pacific Ocean

摘要: Abstract Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) are an important upper tropic-level oceanic predator with a circum-global distribution. Little is known of the movements and diet albacore in South Pacific Ocean how variability both might influence vulnerability to fisheries across their range. We coupled data derived from satellite-tagged stomach samples collected individuals at same locations characterize vertical behavior, thermal dietary habits tropical (New Caledonia Tonga) temperate Zealand) latitudes. A total 18 pop-up satellite archival tags deployed on remained attached for 0–50 days. Position estimates, calculated 11 tags, described short-term predominantly less than 500 km, although one fish moved more 1000 km over period 50 Vertical behavior differed substantially between At latitudes, showed distinct diel pattern habitat use, occupying shallower, warmer waters above mixed layer depth (MLD) night, deeper, cooler below MLD during day. In contrast, there was little evidence limited shallow almost all time. Spatial patterns species composition contents were consistent movement patterns, significantly deepwater prey consumed waters. also greater diversities waters, predominately preying species, whereas those preyed crustacea. Our results indicate that distribution constrained either by preferences reflecting these preferences, which may be affected structure ocean, or most likely mixture both. differences suggest varies latitude. Changes areas associated climate change distributions and, therefore, into future.