Abstract

To characterize red squat lobster (Pleuroncodes monodon) and yellow squat lobster (Cervimunida johni) aggregations a towed video system was used to cover a seabed area in the Coquimbo region, Chile. The films were made in 2009 and 2010, at depths between 102 and 215 m. Estimated average densities of P. monodon and C. johni varied between 3 and 63 ind m-2 and between 0.2 and 2.8 ind m-2, respectively. Mating couples of C. johni were observed on July 2009 (~200 m depth). The results show that the towed video system is an effective means of recording specimens of both species, allowing both the quantitative characterization of the stock and the observation of the species behavior and habitat. The system has the potential for use in direct assessment of abundance and habitat characterization both biotic and abiotic.