Assemblages in a submarine canyon: influence of depth and time

SABATINI, ANDREA;FOLLESA, MARIA CRISTINA;LOCCI I;PENDUGIU AA;PESCI P;CAU, ANGELO

2007-01-01

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Abstract

In this work we have studied the assemblages from Quirra canyon (Sardinia). We analysed data from 25 trawl samples from the canyon, made at different times and depth. A total of 71 demersal species (38 teleosts, 5 cartilaginous fishes, 13 molluscs and 15 crustaceans) were examined. We found four groups using cluster analysis; each group is characterised by a certain depth or time. In particular we have shown that the time of the day appears to have a role in the movement of shrimps and other species. This phenomenon seems to be linked to trophic need and by the consequent different food availability into the Canyon