Table of Contents
Page
I.
Executive Summary
1
II.
Introduction
4
III.
Study Objectives
7
IV.
Methods
8
A. Recuperation of Historical Data
8
B. Atlas map of deep reefs of PR and the USVI
11
C. Field Study at Isla Desecheo, PR
12
1. Sessile-Benthic Communities
12
2. Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates
13
3. Statistical Analyses
15
V.
Results and Discussion
15
A. Literature Review
15
1. Historical Overview
15
2. Recent Investigations
22
B. Geographical Distribution and Physical Characteristics
36
of Deep Reef Systems of Puerto Rico and the U. S.
Virgin Islands
C. Taxonomic Characterization of Sessile-Benthic
49
Communities Associated With Deep Sea Habitats of
Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands
1. Benthic Algae
49
2. Sponges (Phylum Porifera)
53
3. Corals (Phylum Cnidaria: Scleractinia
57
and Antipatharia)
4. Gorgonians (Sub-Class Octocorallia
65
D. Taxonomic Characterization of Sessile-Benthic Communities
68
Associated with Deep Sea Habitats of Puerto Rico and the
U. S. Virgin Islands
1. Echinoderms
68
2. Decapod Crustaceans
72
3. Mollusks
78
E. Fishes Associated with Deep Sea Habitats of Puerto Rico
79
and the U. S. Virgin Islands
1. Early Collections and Records
79
2. Deep Sea Larval Fish Studies
84
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