A-49. 



the coexistence of a large variety of different epifaunal 

 species and tropic types. The slope, on the other hand, 

 does not provide as heterogeneous an environment and there- 

 fore has similar fauna over wider latitudinal and bathyal 

 ranges. 



Faunal Associations 



Several types of faunal associations were observed 

 during this survey. However, probably many more faunal 

 associations exist between the animals which are not appar- 

 ent in photographs. Examples of this might be the reported 

 association between a small shrimp and the coral Paragorgia 

 arborea or the association between cleaner shrimp and fish 

 in pueblo communities. This is, additionally, complicated 

 by the fact that associations are usually manifested 

 behaviorally , which can be determined only by direct visual 

 observation over a period of time. 



One common association observed was that of the ophiurid 

 As.teronyx loveni and corals. Most instances of this asso- 

 ciation were probably not discernible on photographs, due to 

 the fact that Asteronyx is frequently tightly coiled within 

 the inner branches of gorgonian colonies. Additionally, in 

 relation to the association between the coral Aaanetla 

 arbusaula and Asteronyx loveni the coloration of the two is 

 similar enough to prevent recognition of the ophiurid. This 



