Deep-water fish fauna in the Eastern Ionian Sea

Existing information on the ichthyofauna of the Eastern Ionian Sea (Greece) was enriched by a recent research project carried out in its northern part at depths ranging from 300 to 1200 m. The frequency of occurrence of the identified fish species and their abundance were examined. In total, 101 fish species were identified. Their number and abundance decreased significantly with depth. Argentina sphyraena presented the highest frequency of occurrence and Chlorophthalmus agassizi the highest abundance at depths ranging between 300 and 500 m. In the depth zone 500-700 m, Chlorophthalmus agassizi predominated in abundance and Phycis blennoides in frequency of occurrence. In the zone 700-900 in, Galeus melastomus and Nezumia sclerorhynchus showed both the highest abundance and frequency of occurrence. These two species were also the most abundant at depths 900-1200 m, whereas Lampanyctus crocodilus was the most frequently encountered. Four species (Benthocometes robustus, Microichthys coccoi, Neinichthys scolopaceus and Epigonus constanciae) are reported for the first time in Greek waters, and twenty species are reported for the first time in the Greek Ionian Sea. Moreover, one specimen of Caelorinchus mediterraneus IWAMOTO & UNGARO, 2002, a species that has only recently been described for the Mediterranean Sea, was also identified.