Abstract. The fi rst quantitative sampling method for deep cryptobenthic and epibenthic ichthyofauna using trimix diving was performed at about 60 m depth at two localities off the island of Hvar (eastern central Adriatic Sea) in October 2014. The safe, effi cient, and relatively simple diving technique combined with the quantitative method for collecting fi shes on studied depths is described and explained. A total of 16 fi sh specimens representing four species, i.e., three gobiid and one blenniid species, were collected using anaesthetic quinaldine at six bottom quadrats (squares) of 1 m². The cryptobenthic and small epibenthic ichthyofauna on these habitats at circalittoral depths could not be effi ciently sampled by any other method. Two of the collected species, Thorogobius macrolepis (Kolombatović, 1891) and Vanneaugobius dollfusi Brownell, 1978, are considered rare with very few reported records. The deepest fi ndings of species Parablennius rouxi (Cocco, 1833), Gobius auratus Risso, 1810, and T. macrolepis were recorded.

Depth range
60- 60 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
1 x (total of 2349 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'temperate mesophotic ecosystem'

Fields
Biodiversity
Community structure
Methods and Technology

Focusgroups
Fishes

Locations
Croatia

Platforms
SCUBA (open-circuit or unspecified)