Sharks, rays and chimaeras of the Seine and Unicorn seamounts (NE Atlantic Ocean)

Abstract Background Seamounts are underwater mountains which typically rise rather steeply at least several hundred meters above the deep-sea floor. These geological features interrupt water flow and hence may induce changes in circulation of different masses, turn causing physical biological effects. For this reason, seamounts biodiversity hotspots, housing a wide number species, as is with case Seine Unicorn seamounts, part Madeira-Tore seamount chain located between Portugal mainland, southwestern Europe Madeira archipelago (NE Atlantic). Methods Fisheries independent surveys allowed collection Chondrichthyes specimens from seamounts. Individuals were caught over course two research cruises, first 2004 later 2017, species distribution ranging summit down to 2500 m depth. Results Fifteen belonging 7 taxonomical families collected surveyed areas. Two recorded for time added checklist ( Centrophorus granulosus Somniosus rostratus ), three C. , Centroscymnus coelolepis Centroselachus crepidater ). Distribution frequency occurrence evaluated relation Conclusions This work valuable contribution knowledge seamount-associated fish fauna. Moreover, sharks, rays chimaeras was updated summing up 20 species.