Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Marine Cladoceran Species in the Surface Waters of Iskenderun Bay

Abstract

Cladocerans are important member of pelagic ecosystem and they serve as good sources of food for fish and fish larvae during the warm periods. The aim of this study was to determine species composition of marine cladocerans and their temporal and spatial distribution in the surface waters of coastal and offshore waters of Iskenderun Bay. The study was conducted at the four stations in Iskenderun Bay between November 2005 and August 2006. The samples were collected horizontally with WP-2 net (200 mesh size). Six species of cladocerans (Penilia avirostris, Evadne spinifera, Pseudoevadne tergestina, Evadne nordmanni, Pleopis polyphamoides and Podon intermedius) were found. Among these, Evadne nordmanni was observed for the first time in Iskenderun Bay. With regard to annual abundance of cladoceran species, Evadne spinifera was the most abundant and followed by P. avirostris and P. tergestina. While the maximum abundance of cladoceran was observed in May-06, the minimum abundance was in November-05. It can be concluded that results of this study could provide a significant contribution to the future studies on cladoceran diversity in the region.