Publications:
Pimentel et al. 2020


scientific article | Neotrop Ichthyol

Mesophotic ecosystems at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil (South-western Atlantic), reveal unique ichthyofauna and need for conservation

Pimentel CR, Rocha LA, Shepherd B, Phelps TAY, Joyeux JC, Martins AS, Stein CE, Teixeira JB, Gasparini JL, Reis-Filho JA, Garla RC, Francini-Filho RB, Delfino SDT, Mello TJ, Giarrizzo T, Pinheiro HT


Abstract

Although several studies on the ichthyofauna of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago have been carried out, its mesophotic fish diversity has never been surveyed before. Here we used SCUBA and technical rebreather diving, baited remote underwater videos and remotely operated vehicle to record shallow (≤ 30 m depth) and mesophotic (31 to 150 m depth) fishes. Nineteen fish species belonging to 14 families are reported here as new records, representing an increase of 8.2% in marine fish richness for the region, which now has a total of 250 species and 77 families. These new records include four potential new species and highlight the importance of surveying mesophotic ecosystems, even in well studied sites. Our results also emphasize the need for protection and attention to the unique ichthyofauna found at mesophotic depths.

Behind the science
Keywords
Meta-data
Depth range
0- 150 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
51 x (total of 3577 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'temperate mesophotic ecosystem'

Fields
Taxonomy
Biodiversity
Management and Conservation

Focusgroups
Fishes

Locations
Brazil - Fernando Noronha

Platforms
Rebreather
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
SCUBA (open-circuit or unspecified)
Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV)

Author profiles