Taxonomic diversity and ecological attributes of copepods of the Colombian Caribbean Sea

ABSTRACT Seven oceanographic expeditions were carried out between 2013 and 2018 to explore the taxonomic diversity and ecological attributes of copepods of the Caribbean Oceanic Ecoregion (CAO). One hundred and forty zooplankton samples were collected in four depth ranges, between 0 and 1000 m depth. A total of 133 species were identified, 33 of which are new records for the Colombian Caribbean Sea and 50 species have amplified their geographical distribution. This information increasing the list of species of marine copepods recorded for the Colombian Caribbean Sea from 214 to 247 species. Carnivorous species (32.33%) and herbivorous-omnivorous species (27.06%) were the most important trophic guilds in the CAO ecoregion, due to the fact that it is an oligotrophic system that presents low productivity where regenerated production can occur. This study obtained relevant information on the richness and diversity of copepods in the offshore system, providing key information to describe the ecological processes and increase knowledge in this important taxonomic group.