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 m⁻²), average abundance (56 fish m⁻²), 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.
Member of
Publisher
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.
Date Issued
2010
Note
Language
Type
Genre
Form
Extent
7 p.
Subject (Topical)
Identifier
FA00007111
Additional Information
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 m⁻²), average abundance (56 fish m⁻²), 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.
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 m⁻²), average abundance (56 fish m⁻²), 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.
Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution 1789
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
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
Date Backup
2010
Date Text
2010
DOI
10.1643/CE-09-004
Date Issued (EDTF)
2010
Extension
FAU
IID
FA00007111
Person Preferred Name
Baumberger, Rex E., Jr.
Physical Description
7 p.
Title Plain
Spawning aggregation of beardfish Polymixia lowei, in adeep-water sinkhole off the Florida Keys
Origin Information
2010
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.
New York
Place
New York
Title
Spawning aggregation of beardfish Polymixia lowei, in adeep-water sinkhole off the Florida Keys
Other Title Info
Spawning aggregation of beardfish Polymixia lowei, in adeep-water sinkhole off the Florida Keys