Atlantic Ocean
Description of the Atlantic Ocean
General
The Atlantic Ocean owes its name to the mythical island of Atlantis, which according to the ancient Greeks was described by Plato as a mighty civilization that disappeared into the ocean. The name “Atlantic” therefore refers to this legendary origin, which gives the ocean a mystical meaning in history and mythology.
The Atlantic Ocean lies between the continents of North and South America on the west and Europe and Africa on the east. It is the second largest ocean in the world, with an area of approximately 76,762,000 km². Major countries bordering this ocean include the United States, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain. Major cities bordering the Atlantic include New York, Miami, Lisbon, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro.
Habitat and Biodiversity
The Atlantic Ocean has a diverse habitat, ranging from shallow coastal waters to deep ocean floors. The ocean is home to a rich biodiversity, with thousands of species of marine life. It is home to over 20,000 species of fish, including both commercial and non-commercial species.
Major rivers that flow into the Atlantic include the Mississippi, Amazon, and Rhine. These rivers contribute to biodiversity by supplying nutrients and sediments.
The Atlantic Ocean is home to several species of fish that are of great importance to the fisheries, such as tuna, salmon, and cod. There are also many species that end up in the aquarium trade, such as clownfish and surgeonfish.
Main Aquarium Fish Species
Some of the most popular aquarium fish that come from the Atlantic Ocean are:
– Anemonefish (Pomacentridae): Known for their vibrant colors and symbiotic relationship with anemones.
– Surgeonfish (such as the Paracanthurus hepatus)**: These fish are popular for their striking appearance and behavior.
– Parrotfish (Scaridae): These fish are loved for their unique shapes and colors.
These species are not only attractive for aquariums, but also play an important role in their natural ecosystems.
Biotopes
The Atlantic Ocean has several biotopes, each with unique characteristics:
– Coral reefs: These biotopes are rich in biodiversity and provide shelter for many species of fish and other marine animals. They can be found in tropical parts of the ocean.
– Sandy and muddy bottoms: These areas are often home to bottom-dwelling organisms and bottom-feeding fish.
– Deep sea: This biotope includes the deeper parts of the ocean, where unique and often unknown species live, such as deep-sea species and bioluminescent organisms.
– Coastal waters: These shallow areas are crucial for the reproduction and growth of many fish species and are often rich in nutrients.
Water parameters
Water circulation in the Atlantic Ocean is driven by several factors, including temperature differences, salinity, and wind patterns. The ocean has a complex circulation, with important currents such as the Gulf Current, which transports warm water from the tropics to the north, and the Benguela Current, which brings cold water from the south to the north.
In terms of water parameters, the average salinity of the Atlantic Ocean is around 35 PSU, which corresponds to a specific gravity (SG) value of approximately 1.022. Temperatures vary greatly depending on location and depth, with surface temperatures ranging from 0 °C in the northern regions to 30 °C in the tropics.
In summary, the Atlantic Ocean is a vital and diverse body of water that plays an important role not only in the global ecology, but also in the economies and cultures of the countries that border it.
Author: John de Lange
Below you will find the fish species that occur in the Atlantic Ocean and that we have added to our database:
Showing 1–12 of 21 results
Showing 1–12 of 21 results