Spatial distribution of Northern ambereye (Hymenodora glacialis) around Iceland

Abstract

The distribution of the deep-water shrimp, Northern ambereye Hymenodora glacialis, was studied using observations and stomach content data of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua and Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides from three annual surveys in Icelandic waters. These surveys cover the continental shelves and slopes down to 1500 m depth around Iceland. The main distribution of Northern ambereye was in the cold waters north of Iceland, where it was found in greatest abundance between −2 and 0°C at 300–700 m depth. Northern ambereye was a part of the diet of both Atlantic cod and Greenland halibut but was of greater importance during the summer, compared to both spring and autumn.

Key words:

• Distribution
• Hymenodora glacialis
• Northern ambereye
• prey

Acknowledgements

Thanks are given to the captains and crew of the vessels used for sampling and to the chief scientists and all the researchers working on board for sampling. Furthermore, I am thankful to Dr Gudrun Thorarinsdottir, two anonymous reviewers and the subject editor for providing helpful comments on an earlier version of the manuscript.

Editorial responsibility: John Zardus