High spatial heterogeneity of two planktonic cnidarian species related to the variability of a shelf-slope front at short time scales

Authors

  • Elena Guerrero Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC
  • Anna Marrodán Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC
  • Ana Sabatés Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC
  • Covadonga Orejas Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC - Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares
  • Josep Maria Gili Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.04452.03A

Keywords:

Siphonophorae, Hydromedusae, Muggiaea atlantica, Aglaura hemistoma, mesoscale, NW Mediterranean

Abstract


We investigated the variability in the mesoscale distribution of the siphonophore Muggiaea atlantica and the hydromedusa Aglaura hemistoma in relation to the rapid spatial oscillations of the shelf-slope front off the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean). Three extensive surveys were carried out in spring at ten-day intervals. High variability in the position of the front resulted from the advection of low-salinity waters originating in the Gulf of Lions, mainly from the Rhône River runoff. High spatial variability in the distribution of the two species was closely related to the shifting positions of the front. Both species occurred on its inshore side in much higher abundances than on its offshore side, where they were scarce or absent. The front acts as a barrier limiting offshore displacement of these two cnidarians. Statistical analyses showed that bottom depth and salinity, as independent variables, were indicators of the signature and position of the front, explaining most of the variance in the distribution and abundance of the two species.

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References

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Published

2016-12-30

How to Cite

1.
Guerrero E, Marrodán A, Sabatés A, Orejas C, Gili JM. High spatial heterogeneity of two planktonic cnidarian species related to the variability of a shelf-slope front at short time scales. Sci. mar. [Internet]. 2016Dec.30 [cited 2024Mar.28];80(4):487-9. Available from: https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/1682

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