Hidden partnerships in the dark: Cold-water coral-fish associations in Fiordland, New Zealand.

The ichthyofauna of the Fiordland ecosystems of southern Aotearoa New Zealand was documented during four remotely operating vehicle (ROV) dives between 100 and 350 m depth. A total of 26 fish species were documented within two fiord basins. An association between cold-water corals, such as the stony coral Madrepora oculata and black coral Antipathella fiordensis, and several fish species was observed. In particular, the observed association between M. oculata and the wavyline perch (Lepidoperca tasmanica) highlighted the use of M. oculata colonies not only as sheltering habitats but also as nurseries for this species in Fiordland.