|
Home
Table 2.8. Faunal zones of the continental slope of
Georges Bank and Southern New England (from
Hecker (1990))
| Zone |
Approximate
Depth (m) |
Gradient |
Current |
Fauna |
| Upper slope |
300-700 |
Low |
Strong |
Dense filter feeders: Scleratinians (Dasmosmilia lymani, Flabellum alabastrum), and quill worm (Hyalinoecia sp.) |
| Upper middle slope |
500-1300 |
High |
Moderate |
Sparse scavengers: red deepsea crab (Chaceon quinqueidens),
northern cutthroat eel, common grenadier (Nezumia),
alcyonarians (Acanella arbuscula and Eunephthya florida) in
areas of hard substrate |
| Lower middle slope/transition |
1200-1700 |
High |
Moderate |
Sparse suspension feeders: cerianthids and sea pen (Distichoptilum gracile) |
| Lower slope |
>1600 |
Low |
Strong |
Dense suspension and deposit feeders: ophiurid (Ophiomusium lymani), cerianthids, and sea pens |
|