Life cycle and reproductive traits of marine podonids (Cladocera, Onychopoda) in a coastal subtropical area

Author(s)

Miyashita, Leonardo K. ^[1] ; Gaeta, Salvador A. ^[1] ; Lopes, Rubens M. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol Oceanog, Oceanog Inst, BR-05508120 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Plankton Research; v. 33, n. 5, p. 779-792, MAY 2011.
• Web of Science Citations: 12

Abstract

We studied the temporal distribution and reproductive biology of marine podonids during two consecutive years off Ubatuba, southeast coast of Brazil. Podonid specimens and their eggs and embryos were counted, measured and classified into categories. Pseudevadne tergestina was the most abundant species, and was more abundant in surface layers, in warm seasons, when the water column was stratified because of bottom intrusions of the cold and nutrient-rich South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) onto the inner shelf. Evadne spinifera had a similar temporal and vertical distribution, but with lower abundance and frequency. Pleopis schmackeri did not show a clear seasonal distribution, but preferred bottom layers. Pleopis polyphemoides and Podon intermedius occurred in low abundances, and only under SACW influence. Parthenogenetic females were dominant among all podonid species. Gamogenetic females of P. polyphemoides and P. intermedius were observed, but males of neither species occurred. This suggests that in tropical and subtropical regions, P. tergestina, E. spinifera and P. schmackeri reproduce through parthenogenesis during most of the year. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/56931-1 - Appendicularia and Cladocera population dynamics on the inner shelf off Ubatuba (SP): a seasonal and multiannual study
• Grantee: Leonardo Kenji Miyashita
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master