Extending Rapoport's rule to Pacific marine fishes

Abstract

The mean bathymetric (depth) range of assemblages of marine fishes is negatively correlated with the depth at which the assemblage is found and negatively correlated with species richness. These findings support the creation of a new biogeographic rule patterned after the terrestrial Rapoport's Rules for Latitude and Elevation. Previous work on Rapoport's rule is extended to include this bathymetric rule and the basis for all known Rapoport's rules is generalized in hopes of broadening the search for other Rapoport's rules. Species richness is found to be correlated with Rapoport phenomena, consistent with previous studies. Moreover, local species richness is found to be strongly influenced by regional patterns of species richness (so‐called macro‐ecological factors), not just local influences such as productivity in the immediate area.