The Vertical Distribution of Fishbites on Deep-Sea Mooring Lines in the Vicinity of Bermuda

摘要

Synthetic-fiber lines used to moor deep-sea installations in the vicinity of Bermuda are frequently attacked by fishes with sharp teeth. The resulting damage may so weaken the lines as to cause them to part. The majority of attacks occur between depths of 600 and 1200 meters with the peak of activity between 900 and 1000 meters which is near the bottom of the permanent thermocline. Bites may occur all the way from near the surface to depths as great as 1550 meters and on long exposures may average over 8 bites per day. Teeth and fragments of teeth recovered from deep-sea moorings in this area are characteristic of those of the Family Paralepididae. It is suspected that the fishes are attracted by luminescent organisms that become entangled on the lines. (Author)