Temporal and spatial variations in the species composition, distribution, and abundance of copepods in mangrove creek area along the Karachi coast, Pakistan

Among different groups of zooplankton collected from Korangi-Phitti mangrove creek area, copepods contributed maximum numerical abundance up to 68% and 75% at S1 and S2, respectively. Twenty one species of copepod, pertaining to fourteen genera and thirteen families were identified from the sample, Difference in diversity of copepod species among seasons with highest density in post monsoon at both stations was recorded. Acrocalanus longicornis, Paracalanus sp., Acartia sp., Temora sp., Oncea sp. and Coryceaus sp. were observed as the dominant and abundantly found copepod species throughout the study period. The highest diversity and equitability was observed in pre monsoon at both stations followed by north east monsoon and south west monsoon. Biomass and species diversity are in inverse relationship.