DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15517 ISSN: 0022-1112

A new gelatinous host for pelagic fishes: First in situ record of an association between driftfishes (Stromateiformes, Ariommatidae) and nudibranchs (Mollusca, Phylliroidae)

Murilo N. L. Pastana, G. David Johnson, Bruce Mundy, Alessio Datovo
  • Aquatic Science
  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Abstract

We describe the first recorded association between fishes and nudibranchs in epipelagic waters. In situ observations and photographs of a juvenile spotted driftfish Ariomma regulus (Stromateiformes; Ariommatidae) swimming alongside the planktonic nudibranch Phylliroe lichtensteinii (Gastropoda; Phylliroidae) were made during blackwater scuba dives off Palm Beach, Florida, United States of America. In this paper, we describe this behavior, highlighting a previously undocumented zooplanktonic host used by fishes. This finding also demonstrates the importance of community science in advancing our understanding of the early life history of marine species.

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