Fig 6. Zonation of the megabenthic assemblages.

The Fig. presents the distribution of the most conspicuous and abundant components of the megafauna dwelling between 186–210 m depth on the Carloforte Shoal. Three distinct facies are well represented, one dominated by Leiopathes glaberrima forming dense gardens on the Southwestern bench terraces, one dominated by small patches of L. glaberrima and Callogorgia verticillata found on the sparse boulders along the plateau, and one formed by the candelabrum-shaped alcyonacean Isidella elongata living on the surrounding muddy floor.