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Abstract

abstract

The nototheniid species Notothenia coriiceps and Paranotothenia magellanica are able to coexist in the inshore zone of Marion Island by way of resource partitioning along the axes of spatial distribution, substrate, occurrence of life history stages, diel activity and diet. N. coriiceps was very scarce and the few specimens sampled were all adult fish four to six years old (determined from scales). P. magellanica was much more abundant and its population was composed of immature fish one to three years old. Resource partitioning also forms the spatial distribution within the latter species. Fingerlings transforming to benthic life were the highest off the bottom and were loosely associated with Desmarestia. Juveniles were found on red algae between and under bushes of Desmarestia on the upper half of boulders, or inside masses of detached algal fronds. Sub-adults were found on the bottom, near or under large boulders.