Structural differentiation of the mesozooplankton community in two hydrographic domains of a small basin: the frontal system of San Jose´ Gulf (Patagonia, Argentina) as a study case

Abstract

The structure of the mesozooplankton community of San José Gulf, Argentina, was analyzed in two hydrographic domains developed during the formation of a spring–summer frontal system. Abundance peaked in December in both domains, remaining high in February only in the stratified east domain (ED). Copepods were the most abundant taxon, with larger individuals in the vertically mixed west domain (WD). Overall, larger individuals (large copepods) dominated the WD, while smaller individuals (small copepods and cladocerans) prevailed in the ED.