Distribution, density, sex ratio and fecundity of Belzebub faxoni (Decapoda, Luciferidae) in the Veracruz Reef System, SW Gulf of Mexico

• Published in: Revista de biología marina y oceanografía Vol. 52; no. 3; pp. 467 - 478
• Main Authors: Cházaro-Olvera, S, Winfield, I, Pérez-Ramos, J A, Meiners-Mandujano, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Vina del Mar 01.12.2017
• Subjects: Aquatic animals; Marine; Reefs; Zooplankton; ISE, Mexico, Gulf of California
• DOI: 10.4067/S0718-19572017000300005
• ISSN: 0717-3326

The distribution, density, biomass, sex ratio and fecundity of Belzebub faxoni in the Veracruz Reef System National Park, southwest of the Gulf of Mexico, were analysed. The collection of biological samples was conducted on a motorboat with outboard motor in June, August and October 2011; January, March and May 2012; and January, March and June 2013, using a conical net of 330 µm. Salinity, temperature and oxygen were measured. The total number of shrimps were counted and standardized at 100 m-3. The biomass and height were measured. The number of eggs of each gravid female was counted. The distribution and density was analysed. The average temperature was 21.95 ± 0.11 to 29.29 ± 0.19°C, salinity of 33.91 ± 0.10 to 35.90 ± 0.14, oxygen 2.45 ± 0.23 in the northern zone and 5.63 ± 0.61 mg l-1 in the south. The highest density was presented in March 2013, with 6,391 shrimp/100 m³. Generally, the highest density was presented in transects B and D (centre and south). March 2013 had the highest biomass with 5,283 mg 100 m³. Females with a total length of 12.28 ± 0.59 mm had a fertility rate of 7.1 ± 3.43 eggs. The sex ratio in general was favourable for females from 1.5 :1 to 2 :1 . The main breeding season was recorded in May and June, which determined the distribution and abundance of B. faxoni. In addition, within the system, a changing in current direction may trigger changes in distribution. This is the first study of the population of B. faxoni in the SW Gulf of Mexico.