Further observations on zooplankton of the Potengi Estuary (Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) with special reference to the larvae of Brachyura (Crustacea, Decapoda)

Further observations on zooplankton of the Potengi Estuary (Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) with special reference to the larvae of Brachyura (Crustacea, Decapoda)

C. Sankarankutty^I,II; J.E. Lins Oliveira^I,II; K.M.F. Cunha^II; A.C.C. Silva^II; E.V.G. Barroca^II

^IDepartamento de Oceanografia e Limnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 59014-100 Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. Brasil

^IIBolsista do CNPq

ABSTRACT

The present paper deals with data on zooplankton collected from the estuary of Potengi, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil covering a period of one year from October 1992 to October 1993. Three fixed stations within the estuary located at varying distances from the mouth of the river were sampled. Sampling was done monthly when the tide was lowest. Analysis of the samples has shown clear pattern of seasonal variations in abundance of the dominant zooplankton components which are composed of Copepoda, Appendicularia, larvae of Brachyura, larvae of Cirripedia and Chaetognalha. A detailed study of the larvae of Brachyura was also attempted which showed that seven species can be identified in the samples, of which those of Aratus pisonii (H. Milne Edwards) and Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille have already been described. Other five species are designated here numerically and description of various stages present in the samples are given.

Key words: Brachyura, seasonal abundance, taxonomy, larvae, estuary, Brazil

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. The present study was conducted during the period of fellowships awarded to us by CNPq and we are very much indebted to the Council. The analysis of the larvae of Brachyura was done by the senior author at the Department of Fisheries and Marine Biology of the University of Bergen (DFMB), Norway during the tenure of a senior fellowship offered by CNPq and he wishes to record his gratitude to the CNPq as well to the staff of DFMB. Our thanks are also due to the authorities of the Naval Base and Yacht Club. Natal for permission to carry out our sampling from their premises.

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Recebido em 28.IX.1994; aceito em 19.VIII.1995.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  21 July 2009
• Date of issue
  1995

History

• Accepted
  19 Aug 1995
• Received
  28 Sept 1994