Spatio-temporal changes in gut contents and stable isotopes in two deep Mediterranean pandalids: influence on the reproductive cycle

Small-scale differences in the distribution and population dynamics of pandalid shrimps in the western Mediterranean in relation to environmental factors

“…These differences could be related to changes in the feeding and diet of P. heterocarpus, which, although less evident than in P. martia, showed two diet groups: one in summer-autumn and one in winter-spring . Fanelli and Cartes (2008) found that larger seasonal fluctuations occurred in pelagic prey compared to benthic prey, since changes in the diet of P. heterocarpus, which also preys on benthic organisms, were less evident than in the strictly bentho-pelagic feeder P. martia. Similar patterns of higher variability in feeding intensity among zooplankton feeders have been found in bathyal fish (Madurell and Cartes, 2005).…”

“…The interaction between the frontal system and the benthic environment was also related to the presence of small individuals of some pandalid species at the depths where these systems are found (Company and Sardà, 1997). Fanelli and Cartes (2008) found that the LIW determines the seasonal bathymetric pattern of P. heterocarpus.…”

“…Six surveys were carried out on a seasonal basis (two in spring, one in summer, two in autumn and one in winter) between August 2003 and June 2004, sampling the same stations in each survey at different depths (150, 250, 350, 550, 650 and 750 m). The information obtained was related to the abundance, biomass and length frequency distributions of all the pandalid shrimps, as well as biological information -individual carapace length and weight, sex and maturity stages for females according to Company and Sardà (1997) and Fanelli and Cartes (2008) -of the most abundant species. The following environmental data were also obtained: (i) hydrographic parameters, water temperature and salinity were determined with a CTD SBE-37 located on the float-line of the net; (ii) the density of potential trophic resources, zooplankton in the water column was sampled with a Bongo net and the suprabenthos was sampled with a Macer-GIROQ suprabenthic sledge; and (iii) the sediment characteristics, samples were taken with a Shipek grab (see Cartes et al (2008), López-Jurado et al (2008), Moranta et al (2008) and Guijarro et al (2009) for further details).…”

Feeding Habits of Both Deep-Water Red Shrimps, Aristaeomorpha foliacea and Aristeus antennatus (Decapoda, Aristeidae) in the Ionian Sea (E. Mediterranean)

“…Generally, energy reserves strongly affect fecundity and reproduction in fishes (e.g. Lloret et al, 2005) and have been also observed in deep-water decapods (Fanelli & Cartes, 2008).…”

Sexual dimorphism and associated population characteristics in the benthopelagic shrimp <em>Pasiphaea sivado</em> (Crustacea: Caridea: Pasiphaeidae)

“…An increase in stomach fullness and dietary energy intake has been recorded in pre-reproductive females of the deep-sea shrimp Aristeus antennatus, parallel to a significant increase of the gonadosomatic index and fecundity . Differences in diet composition between genders and maturity stages have also been found in other shrimps, Plesionika heterocarpus and Plesionika martia (Fanelli and Cartes 2008). Aggregative behaviour within genders has also been related to other causes, such as the need to look for appropriate habitat for moulting (Reid et al 1994, Sampedro and González-Gurriarán 2004 or for hatching (i.e.…”