Document Type
Article
Abstract
A large spawning aggregation of Polymixia lowei, Beardfish, was documented via video and specimen collection in a deep-water (413 m) sinkhole off Key West, Florida on 5 June 2007. The use of the human-occupied submersible, Johnson-Sea-Link II, allowed for in situ observations, video documentation, and specimen collection. The maximum density (117 fish m22), average abundance (56 fish m22), and average standard length (152.1 mm) were estimated from video transects. Ovarian histology of the fish collected indicated recent spawning activity. Observations of a deep scattering layer above the sinkhole by echo sounder suggested that P. lowei were in the water column during the pre-dawn hours. This represents the first report of aggregating behavior for reproduction in P. lowei.
DOI
10.1643/CE-09-004 (doi)
Publication Date
2010
Recommended Citation
This manuscript is an author version with the final publication available and may be cited as: Baumberger, R. E., Brown-Peterson, N. J., Reed, J. K., & Gilmore, R. G. (2010). Spawning aggregation of beardfish Polymixia lowei, in a deep-water sinkhole off the Florida Keys. Copeia, 1, 41-46. doi:10.1643/CE-09-004
Comments
Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution 1789.