Effect of water masses in spatio-temporal variation of oncaeids and corycaeids (Copepoda, Cyclopoida) in northern East China Sea during spring

Abstract

We investigated a spatio-temporal distribution and species composition of small planktonic cyclopoid copepods, oncaeids and corycaeids, in relation to hydrographic characteristics in the northeastern East China Sea during spring (April) of 2004, 2008, 2010, and 2011. Results of the present study suggest that the distribution and composition of oncaeid species and corycaeid species except for D. affinis are influenced by intrusion of Tsushima Warm Water in the northeastern East China Sea, as well as closely related to the continuous variation of surface water temperature front around Jeju Island.