Deep-sea suprabenthos assemblages (Crustacea) off the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean): Mesoscale variability in diversity and production

► Mesoscale variability was found in deep-sea suprabenthic assemblages comparing two areas at N and S of Mallorca at depths between 150-750 m. ► Seasonality was the most important gradient influencing suprabenthos over the N of Mallorca slope, not at S. ► Different depth-related patterns were observed both for diversity and P/B (production) at N and S of Mallorca. ► P/B was highest at intermediate depths to the north (over ca. 450-500 m), while to the south highest P/Bs were found deeper (over ca. 600-650 m). ► The higher P/B at intermediate depths found along N are likely due to higher % of organic matter (OM) in sediments, coupled with oceanographic frontal systems. ► Species showed a displacement of their average distributions to shallower depths (400-500 m) at N, indicating more favourable habitat conditions for suprabenthos.