Abstract
The composition and distribution of the benthic communities at the shelfbreak and upper slope of the Ubatuba region (south-eastern Brazil) were studied from a limited set of 15 dredge hauls taken between 130 and 600m depth. Data analysis using multivariate methods showed the presence of three distinct benthic associations, related to depth and substratum. The first, between 130 and 180m depth, was associated with the presence of large amounts of calcareous algal blocks, serving as a shelter for most of the organisms sampled, as well as an important substratum for sessile and filter-feeding animals. The second association was from the slope (240–350m) comprising organisms exclusive to that area, and species common on shallower stations. The major faunal changes were observed in the third association at 500m, which presented a fauna totally distinct from the former regions. It is suggested that this area is probably an upper limit for deep-living organisms in the region.
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