Spatio-temporal variation of planktonic decapods along the leeward coast of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil

A study of planktonic decapods along the leeward coast of Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil, revealed distinct spatio-temporal patterns in their distribution and abundance. The research identified 22 decapod taxa, with Brachyura (zoeae), Clibanarius sp., Caridea, and Callianassidae being the most abundant. Notably, larval retention was observed in the southern coastal zones, with higher abundances recorded at Baía dos Golfinhos and Cacimba do Padre compared to the northernmost station, Porto de Santo Antônio. This suggests a downstream concentration of larvae, potentially influenced by oceanographic processes. The study also highlighted characteristic annual distribution trends for hermit crab (Clibanarius sp.) larvae and burrowing shrimp (Callianassidae) larvae. Sampling was conducted using sub-surface hauls with a 300 µm mesh net at five stations over multiple months in 2013 and 2014.

Santana, C. S. d., Schwamborn, R., Neumann-Leitão, S., Montes, M. d. J. F., & Lira, S. M. d. A. (2018). Spatio-temporal variation of planktonic decapods along the leeward coast of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Oceanography, 66(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1679-87592018147206601