Abstract
Between September 2009 and April 2010, superficial samples of plankton were collected in Acapulco Bay, using 150-μm mesh net, with the objective of studying the temporal variation in the abundance, species composition of the copepod community, and their relationship with some environmental parameters. Twenty-nine species of four orders were identified: 11 of Calanoida, 4 of Cyclopoida, 3 of Harpacticoida and 11 of Poecilostomatoida. A multivariate analysis (PCA) used to detect association between the abundance of copepod populations, and the environmental conditions through time, indicates a marked effect of the temperature and salinity parameters, on the abundance of the four copepod groups. The calanoids dominated numerically during most of the sampling months. The more important copepods genus were Corycaeus (7 species), andOithona (4 species). Nevertheless that the abundance of all copepod groups was affected temporarily by variations in the environmental conditions, the species composition inside the copepods community remained very stable.
Highlights
Copepods are considered the most abundant and diverse component of mesozooplankton in marine environments, and the most important secondary producers in marine food webs [1] [2]
The aim of the present study was to document current species composition, and abundance of copepod species, as well as to examine the changes in the community structure, due to the variation of environmental conditions that occur in the Bay, throughout the year
Plankton samples were collected inside the Acapulco Bay between September 2009, and April 2010 in five stations: 1) Club de Yates (16 ̊50'N, 99 ̊54'W); 2) Islote del Morro (16 ̊51'N, 99 ̊53'W); 3) Naval Base (16 ̊51'N, 99 ̊51'W); 4) Casa de Diaz Ordaz (16 ̊50'N, 99 ̊51'W); and 5) Centro de la Bahia (16 ̊49'N, 99 ̊53'W)
Summary
Copepods are considered the most abundant and diverse component of mesozooplankton in marine environments, and the most important secondary producers in marine food webs [1] [2]. Their distribution in the tropical coastal areas is not homogeneous, some species of Acartia and Labidocera genus, end up forming. How to cite this paper: Rojas-Herrera, A.A., Violante-González, J., García-Ibáñez, S., Villerías-Salinas, S. and Moreno-Díaz, G. Variations in the abundance, distribution, and interactions within the community of planktonic copepods, are strongly related to the hydrographic characteristics of the marine environment. During the last three decades, many researchers have used some copepod species to characterize the oceanographic conditions, as well as different types of water masses, which since are considered to be excellent biological indicators [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
