The seasonal survey of copepodes density and distribution in the southern parts of the Caspian Sea

Abstract

To investigate the distribution of Copepodes in the southern basin of the Caspian Sea, in 1991 and 1992, 16 station along the shore and 8 stations in depths below 100 meters were set up. In all station two suborders, Viz, Calonoida and Cyclopoida, at differcnt stayes of life cycles were observed. Results show the Copepodes density decreases as the distance from shore increases, the density is also higher in the eastern and western parts than the central part of the sea. Calonoida and Nauplius density in all station were higher than Cyclopoida. While the maximum density of Nauplius occurred in the surface, the highest density, of Cyclopoida and Calonoida was observed in deep¬er parts.