Comprehensive checklist and distribution analysis of marine harpacticoids in Türkiye coastal waters

Abstract

This study aims to provide a comprehensive checklist of marine harpacticoid copepod species found in Turkish coastal waters. The study encompasses a detailed list comprising 247 species/subspecies, 34 families, and 113 genera. Families with the highest number of species are Miraciidae (43 species), Ameiridae (37 species), Laophontidae (31 species), Ectinosomatidae (23 species), and Paramesochridae (12 species). The remaining families contain fewer than 10 species each. The distribution of species and genera highlights the Aegean Sea as the most diverse, hosting 195 species/subspecies. It is followed by the Sea of Marmara (107 species), the Mediterranean (43 species), and the Black Sea (30 species). Notably, five species including Canuella perplexa, Ectinosoma melaniceps, Eoschizopera (Praeoschizopera) gligici, Euterpina acutifrons, and Microsetella rosea are recorded across all four seas of Türkiye. In conclusion, this study presents a resource that could contribute to faunistic and ecological studies aiming to comprehend marine harpacticoid diversity along Turkish coasts.