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Type: Article
Published: 2012-12-12
Page range: 213–224
Abstract views: 448
PDF downloaded: 255

Swimming deep-sea holothurians (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) on the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge*

P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
sea cucumbers benthopelagic species diversity Northern Atlantic Ocean

Abstract

The ability to swim was recorded in 17 of 32 species of deep-sea holothurians during the RRS James Cook ECOMAR cruise in 2010 to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Holothurians were observed, photographed, and video recorded using the ROV Isis at four sites around the Charlie-Gibbs Fracture Zone at approximate depths of 2,200–2,800 m. For eleven species swimming is reported for the first time. A number of swimming species were observed on rocks, cliffs and steep slopes with taluses. These habitats are unusual for deep-sea holothurians, which are traditionally common on flat areas with soft sediment rich in detritus. Three species were found exclusively on cliffs. Swimming may provide an advantage in cliff habitats that are inaccessible to most epibenthic deposit-feeders.