Relative Influence of Environmental Factors on Biodiversity and Behavioural Traits of a Rare Mesopelagic Fish, <i>Trachipterus trachypterus</i> (Gmelin, 1789), in a Continental Shelf Front of the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

Coastal environments can be influenced by water body masses with particular physical, chemical, and biological properties that create favourable conditions for the development of unique planktonic communities. In this study, we investigated a continental shelf front at Ponza Island (Tyrrhenian Sea) and discussed its diversity and complexity in relation to major environmental parameters. Moon phase and current direction were found to play a significant role in shaping species abundance and behaviour. During in situ observations, we also provided the first data on the behaviour of juveniles of a rare mesopelagic species, Trachipterus trachypterus, suggesting the occurrence of Batesian mimicry.

Keywords

• Trachipteridae
• Ponza Island
• upwelling
• plankton diversity
• Batesian mimicry