Vertical structure of plankton communities in areas of European eel larvae distribution in the Sargasso Sea
| Type | : | ACL |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | : | Production scientifique |
| Au bénéfice du Laboratoire | : | Oui |
| Statut de publication | : | Publié |
| Année de publication | : | 2018 |
| Auteurs (7) | : | MUNK Peter NIELSEN T,g JASPERS Cornelia AYALA Daniel,j TANG K,w LOMBARD Fabien RIEMANN L |
| Revue scientifique | : | Journal of Plankton Research |
| Volume | : | |
| Fascicule | : | |
| Pages | : | |
| DOI | : | 10.1093/plankt/fby025 |
| URL | : | http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/plankt/fby025 |
| Abstract | : | The European and American eels spawn in the subtropical convergence zone (STCZ) in the Sargasso Sea, a dynamic and relatively productive area that is strongly influenced by front and eddy formations and subducted high-saline water masses. To understand how the physical and biological environments may affect the early life history of eels, we conducted a detailed bio-physical investigation of the water column at a site of high eel larvae abundance. Diel measurements and sampling in the upper 300 m revealed strong variations in hydrographic conditions and mean depths of different taxonomic groups; however, characteristics patterns of distribution were apparent. Most species showed diel vertical migrations, ascending about 20–30 m at night, whereas examples of night–time downward migration were also seen. European eel larvae were among the species showing more extensive diel vertical migration: their population mean depth changed from 160 m at day to 100 m at night where abundance peaked at 45 m depth. Distribution and migration of eel larvae corresponded to patterns observed for small hydrozoans, supporting a proposed predator-prey linkage. The study demonstrates the diverse and vertically strongly structured plankton community of STCZ where larvae of eel and other fish find a wide range of potential niches. |
| Mots-clés | : | - |
| Commentaire | : | - |
| Tags | : | - |
| Fichier attaché | : | - |
| Citation | : |
Munk P, Nielsen TG, Jaspers C, Ayala DJ, Tang KW, Lombard F, Riemann L (2018) Vertical structure of plankton communities in areas of European eel larvae distribution in the Sargasso Sea. J Plankton Res | doi: 10.1093/plankt/fby025
|