Vertical distribution of planktonic decapods crustacean larvae in oriental channels of the Chiloé Island, Chile

Armando Mujica, María L. Nava


DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol38-issue1-fulltext-9

The vertical distribution and abundance of planktonic decapods larvae in channels from the inside part of Chiloé Island is analyzed. The larvae distribution is related with the capture daytime and the tide conditions and which could interfere with the vertical or ontogenic migrations described for the meroplankton. From the identified species, the Neotrypaea uncinata larvae were the most abundant. Their vertical distribution was inverse to the one described by the circadian migration of the zooplankton, without detecting significant differences among the abundances in both sampled strata. The abundance of Cancridae and Pinnotheridae larvae were the only ones that had significant differences in the two strata, although they were inverse to the pattern of circadian vertical distribution. The tide height and the oceanographic dynamic described for the channels of the area under study would be decisive in the distribution of larvae in the sector, overcoming their transport to the migratory behavior described for the zooplankton in general.


Mujica A, Nava M. Vertical distribution of planktonic decapods crustacean larvae in oriental channels of the Chiloé Island, Chile. Lat. Am. J. Aquat. Res.. 2011;38(1): 95-106. Available from: doi:10.3856/vol38-issue1-fulltext-9 [Accessed 3 Dec. 2024].
Mujica, A., & Nava, M. (2011). Vertical distribution of planktonic decapods crustacean larvae in oriental channels of the Chiloé Island, Chile. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research, 38(1), 95-106. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3856/vol38-issue1-fulltext-9