Annual variability of planktonic ostracods (Crustacea) in the South Adriatic Sea
Authors: Brautović, Igor1; Bojanić, Natalia2; Batistić, Mirna1; Carić, Marina1
Source: Marine Ecology, Volume 27, Number 2, June 2006 , pp. 124-132(9)
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
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Abstract:
Temporal variability and population structure of planktonic ostracods were investigated for the first time in the South Adriatic Sea during 1996. The maximal total ostracod abundance (1167 ind·100 m−3; 69% juveniles, 18% females and 13% males) was recorded in February. Thirteen species of marine planktonic ostracods were identified. Porroecia spinirostris and Archiconchoecia striata dominated the ostracod assemblage, accounting respectively for 62% and 18% of the total abundance. Their annual peaks were recorded during the cold season, which was the period of their intense reproduction, with favourable temperature conditions and lack of predators. The females surpassed the males in abundance in most species. The presence of the mesopelagic species indicated a strong influence of intermediate layer water masses from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.Keywords: Abundance; Adriatic Sea; mesozooplankton; planktonic ostracods; population structure; seasonal variability
Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0485.2006.00090.x
Affiliations: 1: Institute for Marine and Coastal Research, University of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia 2: Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
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