deepwater

Abstract

Two new species of deepwater cardinalfish, Epigonus gemma [7 specimens, 37.7–76.7 mm in standard length (SL)] and Epigonus hexacanthus (22 specimens, 32.2–57.0 mm SL) are described based on specimens from deep reefs off Curaçao, southern Caribbean Sea. Epigonus gemma is distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following characters: dorsal-fin rays VII-I, 9–10; pectoral-fin rays 16; total gill rakers 25–27; vertebrae 10 + 15; pyloric caeca 8–9; pored lateral-line scales 43–44 + 5–6; opercular spine absent; maxillary mustache-like processes absent; ribs on last abdominal vertebra absent; tongue toothless; endopterygoid teeth absent; and enlarged conical teeth on symphysis of lower jaw present. Epigonus hexacanthus is distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following characters: dorsal-fin rays VI-I, 10; pectoral-fin rays 16–17; total gill rakers 25–27; vertebrae 10 + 15; pyloric caeca 6–7; pored lateral-line scales 32–35 + 3–5; opercular spine absent; maxillary mustache-like processes absent; ribs on last abdominal vertebra absent; lingual teeth present; endopterygoid teeth present; and enlarged conical teeth on symphysis of lower jaw absent. Eight specimens (37.6–54.4 mm SL) of E. hexacanthus are female with mature gonads, rendering the species the smallest in size at sexual maturity among its congeners. A key to the species of Epigonus currently known from the Caribbean Sea is provided.

Available here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10228-024-00948-2#citeas

Baseline data on anthropogenic seafloor debris contamination in the year 2000 is provided for 24 submersible video transects at depths of 80-900 m, off the Dutch ABC-islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. In total, 202 objects were documented from a combined 21,184 m of transect, ranging from sandy lower island-slope to rocky upper island-slope habitat. Debris densities differed significantly with depth. Highest debris accumulation (0.459 items 100 m(-2) or 4590 items per km(2)) occurred at depths of 300-600 m on more shallow-sloping (20-30°) sand and silt bottoms. The overall average debris density was 0.27 objects per 100 m(2) (or 2700 items per km(2)), which is an order of magnitude higher than most other deepwater debris studies. What we describe may be representative for other small, populated, steep volcanic Caribbean islands. Food and beverage-related items were the single largest usage category identified (44% of objects; mostly glass beverage bottles).