Caraballo-Marrero, Amaris N.

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    Taxonomic composition and abundance of demersal zooplankton associated to seagrass and sandy substrates of a coral reef environment
    (2009-12) Caraballo-Marrero, Amaris N.; García-Saís, Jorge R.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Alfaro, Monica; Corredor, Jorge; Aponte, Nilda E.; Department of Marine Sciences; Grove, Kurt
    The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of different benthic habitats in the taxonomic composition and abundance of demersal zooplankton in the coral reef systems of La Parguera. Two techniques were used to sample zooplankton abundance; horizontal plankton tows between surface and near bottom and demersal traps for substrate sampling. Sampling of zooplankton abundance was performed from October 2005 to December 2006. Significant differences of total zooplankton abundance in neuston samples between surface and near bottom were found; the higher abundance of organisms was found in near bottom of Thalassia beds. Calanoid copepods were the main component of the near bottom samples. Differences of total zooplankton and holoplankton abundance revealed lunar pattern in night samples with higher abundance in new moon at sandy substrates. A pronounced pattern of higher abundance of holoplankton taxa in night samples was observed at Thalassia beds and sandy substrates, with peak abundances measured in Thalassia beds. Results of the present study indicate that the abundance or emerging zooplankters varied in relation to time of day, and substratum. The demersal zooplanktons are an important link between seagrass meadows and adjoining coral reef communities as well.