Appendicularian distribution and diversity in the southern Gulf of Mexico

The diversity and distribution of appendicularians on the continental shelf and upper part of the oceanic sea in the southern Gulf of Mexico is analyzed here for the first time. Samples were collected in September 2003 using a fine mesh net. Twenty species were identified, of which Fritillaria venusta and Pelagopleura oppressa are first records for the Gulf of Mexico. Oikopleura species occur throughout the area, with greatest abundances in the upwelling waters of the inner shelf off Yucatán and Campeche. The greatest abundances of Fritillaria species and of the other genera were recorded in the mid, outer shelf, and oceanic areas of Campeche and Tabasco that are influenced by continental water discharges and an oceanic gyre. Diversity and abundance varied in differing directions, with high abundance and low diversity characterizing the costal areas and low abundance and high diversity in the mid, outer shelf, and oceanic areas. The distribution of appendicularian species appears to be influenced by upwelling currents, gyres, water column depth, continental water discharges, salinity, and temperature. However, it could be assumed that the reasons behind these physical environmental factors include the food supply, a short life cycle, and high reproductive efficiency, factors that are commonly associated with distribution.