Distribution of Pleuromamma spp (Copepoda-Calanoida) in the northern Arabian Sea

Abstract

Distribution of common marine copepods of genus @iPleuromamma@@ Giesbrecht was studied. Two species, @iP. indica@@ Wolfenden and @iP. gracilis@@ were present in surface and vertical samples (0-500 m). The former was dominant (98.17%) and @iP. gracilis@@ evinced restricted distribution with northern limit till lat. 18~'N. Copepodite stages (CIV and CV) of both species were distributed mostly in the euphotic zone. The adults occurred at deeper depths. The males were recorded at shallower depths compared to the females