Ecohydrographic control on the community structure and vertical distribution of pelagic Chaetognatha in the Red Sea

Kusum Komal Karati, Ali M. Al-Aidaroos, Reny P. Devassy, Mohsen M. El-sherbiny, Burton Jones, Ulrich Sommer, Benjamin Kürten

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4 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present study details the effects of basin-scale hydrographic characteristics of the Red Sea on the macroecology of Chaetognatha, a major plankton component in the pelagic realm. The hydrographic attributes and circulation of the Red Sea as a result of its limited connection with the northern Indian Ocean make it a unique ecohydrographic region in the world ocean. Here, we aimed to identify the prime determinants governing the community structure and vertical distribution of the Cheatognatha in this ecologically significant world ocean basin. The intrusion of Gulf of Aden Water influenced the Chaetognatha community composition in the south, whereas the overturning circulation altered their vertical distribution in the north. The existence of hypoxic waters (< 100 µmol kg−1) at mid-depth also influenced their vertical distribution. The detailed evaluation of the responses of the different life stages of Chaetognatha revealed an increased susceptibility of adult individuals to hypoxic waters compared to immature stages. Higher oxygen demands of the adults for the egg and sperm production might have prevented them from inhabiting the oxygen-deficient mid-depth zones. The carbon and nitrogen content of the Copepoda and Chaetognatha communities and the quantification of the predation impact of Chaetognatha on Copepoda based on the feeding rate helped in corroborating the significant trophic link between these two prey–predator taxa. The observed influences of physical and chemical attributes on the distribution of Chaetognatha can be used as a model example for the role of the hydrography on the zooplankton community of the Red Sea.
Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalMarine Biology
Volume166
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 31 2019

Bibliographical note

KAUST Repository Item: Exported on 2020-10-01
Acknowledgements: This project was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, under grant no. RG-1-150-35. The authors, therefore, acknowledge with thanks DSR technical and financial support. We further extend our gratitude towards the Helmholtz-Center for Ocean Research GEOMAR for the successful collaboration (Jeddah Transect Project) with the King Abdulaziz University. The authors also thank the Master and crew of RV Pelagia (cruise 64PE351) for their help in the field. During the writing phase of this manuscript, BK was supported through baseline funds of BHJ (KAUST).

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