| Summary: | 10th Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research Open Science Conference (SCAR 2022), 1-10 August 2022 Despite the general thought that the Southern Ocean harbors low fish biodiversity than expected, the Weddell Sea hosts a multitude of fish species and also stands out for the presence of macrobenthos. Most of the macrobenthic organisms, such as gorgonians, sponges and bryozoans are considered ecosystem engineers as they generate a three-dimensional structure that increases habitat heterogeneity. This structural complexity serves as a refuge against predators and nursery grounds for many organisms, including fish species. By analyzing video transects recorded by a Remotely Operated Vehicle, we investigated density, spatial distribution and population size of the demersal fish species inhabiting macrobenthic communities. Also, we attempted to unveil if there is any relationship between benthic and fish communities, as well as some fish behavioral patterns. The study area covers a depth range from 251 to 361 m and it is located in front of the Filchner Ronne Ice Shelf, in the southernmost part of the Weddell Sea. We observed the dominance of juveniles in the surveyed fish assemblage provides evidence that, at this life stage, some fish species appear to be positively associated with benthic communities. Moreover, about 37% of all specimens recorded were resting on benthic invertebrates or they were using them to hide, implying that Antarctic benthic communities might offer a suitable shelter from predators. As such, it can be concluded that there was an apparent relationship between certain species of fish and the different benthic communities, albeit the exact triggers behind such association still remain partially elusive Peer reviewed
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