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Aspects of the biology of Derocheilocaris typica (Crustacea: Mystacocarida). II. Distribution

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Abstract

Mystacocarid crustaceans are characteristic members of the mesopsammon of many marine beaches. A detailed investigation of the distribution of Derocheilocaris typica Pennak and Zinn, 1943, shows that this species is most abundant on open ocean, high-energy beaches, with only scattered occurrence in estuarine beaches. A characteristic distribution pattern in beaches is shown, with maximum density occurring between mid and high-water levels. This pattern changes seasonally, with the position of maximum density moving deeper into the beach and more landward during winter months. Short-term changes in distribution also occur, resulting from tidal migrations and abnormal hydrodynamic patterns (i.e., storms). Longshore variability in abundance suggests the occurrence of clumps of crustaceans arranged much like beads on a string. Changes in abundance or segregation of sexes and stages seasonally are not found.

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Communicated by J. Bunt, Miami

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Hall, J.R. Aspects of the biology of Derocheilocaris typica (Crustacea: Mystacocarida). II. Distribution. Marine Biology 12, 42–52 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00347428

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