The survey of nauplius and cyprid larvae of Amphibalanus improvisus (Darwin, 1854) in different areas of the southern Caspian Sea

This study carried out by the R/V Guilan cruises in the Iranian coast of the Caspian Sea in 2010. We investigated nauplius and cyprid of the barnacle Amphibalanus improvises in the southern Caspian Sea. The aim of this study was to identify and determine density of Total nauplius and larvae of A. improvisus (meroplankton) in the different seasons and regions of the Caspian Sea. The highest abundance of A. improvisus was observed in the spring 1347±1254 ind. m-3. The peak of abundance was observed in the spring, declining sharply in the summer and autumn, and rising again in the winter. Annual changes showed that 66% of the abundance of A. improvisus existed in the west, 19% in the center and 15% in the east regions. In spring, the highest abundance of nauplius and cyprid larvae was observed. nauplius (82%) and larvae (48%) included population of A. improvises. The purpose of this study was to monitor of A. improvisus in Southern Caspian Sea and its abundance was shown in different regions and seasons.

Keywords:

Zooplankton , Amphibalanus improvisus , Nauplius , cyprid , Meroplankton , Caspian Sea