Stable isotope data of a community of mid‑trophic level epipelagic species in the North Atlantic

A total of 495 individuals from a guild of 14 species (fishes, squids and crustaceans) were sampled along the west and south Iberia (Portuguese coast) aboard a research vessel during 2014, 2016 and 2017. Two seasonal oceanographic surveys were conducted each year to sample pelagic mid-trophic level species during spring and autumn. Specimens were captured with trawl hauls, and information on date, time, position of capture (latitude and longitude) and depth (m) were recorded. The body mass (g) and total length (in fishes; mm), mantle length (in squids; mm) or carapace width (in crustaceans; mm) were recorded for each individual. Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were analysed in the muscle of each individual. Lipids were removed from samples by successive rinses in a 2:1 chloroform–methanol solution. More details of the methodology can be found in:

Ceia FR, Cherel Y, Silva AV, Garrido S, Angélico MM, da Silva JM, Laranjeiro MI, Ramos JA (2023) Drivers of niche partitioning in a community of mid-trophic level epipelagic species in the North Atlantic. Hydrobiologia, 850: 1583–1599. (DOI:10.1007/s10750-023-05160-3).