Thecosomata (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia) of the Caribbean Sea and Adjacent Areas.
Abstract
A total of 27 species and 13 formae from 13 genera were identified and enumerated. One genus and 8 species are new records for the Caribbean including one rare species, Desmopterus gardineri. Temperature-salinity-plankton diagrams were constructed for each species and used to determine water mass preferences and environmental ranges. Horizontal contours were used to delineate areas of high and low thecosome production. The highest productions were located in the south central sections of the Caribbean and were associated with areas of upwelling. The poorest areas for production occurred in waters with low nutrient levels in the central Caribbean running from the southeast to the northwest. Most of the species exhibited diurnal vertical migrations, with the adults showing the strongest migrations. The juveniles of most species displayed weaker migratory patterns than their adult counterparts and generally occupied higher or the same levels in the water column.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA009846
Entities
People
- Donald A. Haagensen
Organizations
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science