Cienc. Tecnol. Mar, 29 (1): 123-135, 2006
LARVAE DECAPOD CRUSTACEAN, AND HOLOPLANKTONIC CRUSTACEAN AROUND EASTER ISLAND AREA*
ARMANDO MUJICA
Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte. Casilla 117, Coquimbo. E-mail: amujica@ucn.cl
Recepción: 18 de octubre de 2003 - Versión corregida aceptada: 21 de marzo de 2006.
ABSTRACT
Results are presented on the composition, distribution, and abundance of larvae of decapod crustaceans, cladocerans, ostracods, and euphausiids in the sea around Easter Island (27o 20’ S, 109o 40’ W). As a contribution to the knowledge of the meroplanktonic and holoplanktonic organisms inhabiting this remote island in the SE Pacific.
The larval forms in the samples included taxonomic groups whose adults have not been described for the sampling area. The distribution and abundance of these around the island suggests a strategy of larval retention related to the dynamics of oceanic circulation.
The larvae of the Anomura were the most abundant and particularly those of the Family Porcellanidae, which made up half of the larvae captured. These as well as those of the remaining groups were most abundant off the NE coast of the island.
The holoplanktonic groups analyzed showed relatively low abundance and low species richness typical of oceanic water. Their abundance was also greatest near the island’s shore, although the euphausiids were broadly distributed over the entire area sampled.
Key words: Zooplankton, meroplanktonics and holoplanktonics crustacean, Easter Island.