Seasonal and spatial variability of appendicularian density and taxonomic composition in the Caravelas Estuary (Northeastern Brazil) and adjacent coastal area

Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology

Pedro Freitas De Carvalho²  Sérgio Luiz Costa Bonecker¹ 

[1] ,Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Instituto de Biologia Departamento de ZoologiaRio de Janeiro RJ ,Brasil

关键词: Oikopleuridae;    Fritillariidae;    Tropical estuary;    Brazil;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1516-89132010000100020

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

This study aimed to identify and assess the seasonal and spatial variations of the appendicularians in the Caravelas River estuary and the adjacent coastal area. Samples were taken during 12 campaigns over five years (2001 and 2003-2006). Ten species were identified; the most abundant were Oikopleura dioica, Oikopleura rufescens, and Oikopleura longicauda. These species represented more than 95% of the total numbers of appendicularians. The remaining species were less frequent and occurred in low densities. The mean density of appendicularians found at the coastal stations (804 ind.m-3.) was higher than in the estuary (66 ind.m-3). However, the differences observed between the estuary and coastal stations were not significant (p=0.54). The samples taken during the dry season showed a higher mean density (587 ind.m-3) than in the rainy season (376 ind.m-3), and the differences between the seasons were statistically significant (p=0.004).

【 授权许可】

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