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Papers by Cristina Dias

Research paper thumbnail of Two new species of Monstrilla (Copepoda: Monstrilloida) from Brazil

Several specimens of monstrilloid copepods were collected in di¡erent localities of Brazil betwee... more Several specimens of monstrilloid copepods were collected in di¡erent localities of Brazil between 1993 and 1997. The taxonomic analysis of these specimens yielded the identi¢cation of two new species of Monstrilla. The ¢rst one, M. careli sp. nov. can be distinguished by a combination of several characters, including its body proportions, with a very long cephalothorax, by the particularly long terminal segment of the antennules, by the structure of its ¢fth legs, and by the very long dorsal seta on the caudal rami. The second species, M. brasiliensis sp. nov. can be distinguished by the peculiar features of its ¢fth leg, with a patch of long and stout hair-like setae along its outer margin; it has also a notched protuberance near the antennule bases. It has a notch on the anterior protuberance of the genital somite, and a ventrally swollen cephalothorax. This species, together with M. inserta Scott bears a pair of enigmatic structures which are either modi¢ed sensillae or a vestigial postantennular appendage not previously described in the Monstrilloida.

Research paper thumbnail of Studies on Zooplankton and Ichthyoplankton Communities Structure Off Rio De Janeiro Coastline

Oecologia Brasiliensis, 1999

Research paper thumbnail of Vertical Copepod Assemblages (0-2300 m) off Southern Brazil

Bonecker (2010) Vertical copepod assemblages (0-2300 m) off southern Brazil. Zoological Studies 4... more Bonecker (2010) Vertical copepod assemblages (0-2300 m) off southern Brazil. Zoological Studies 49(2): 230-242. The structure of copepod assemblages in the region of the Campos Basin was studied for a 1 yr period. Zooplankton samples were obtained in the 2002 wet season and 2003 dry season, by stratified vertical hauls in 4 previously identified water masses: tropical water (TW), South Atlantic central water (SACW), intermediate Antarctica water (IAW), and North Atlantic deep water (NADW). Temperature and salinity were determined. The copepod mean density did not significantly differ (p < 0.05) between the northern and southern stations in the 2 seasons, but significantly differed among the water masses, and in each water mass in the 2 seasons, except for the SACW. The highest mean density was found in the TW, and the lowest in the NADW. Eighty-nine taxa of copepods, with 70 generally distributed species and 19 species exclusive to 1 or another water mass were recorded in the 4 water masses. The copepod assemblages of the Campos Basin showed tropical characteristics, and were numerically dominated by epipelagic species: Clausocalanus furcatus, Farranula gracilis, and Oncaea venusta in TW; Pleuromamma abdominalis, Macrosetella gracilis, Oncaea venusta, and Clausocalanus furcatus in the SACW; Clausocalanus furcatus, Oncaea venusta, Triconia conifera, and Calanoides carinatus in the IAW; and Oncaea venusta, Oithona similis, Clausocalanus furcatus, Farranula gracilis, and Mecynocera clausi in the NADW. Differences in the copepod community along the water column were found. Differences in copepod compositions and abundances were possibly a consequence of the influences of oceanic and shelf waters, with contributions of deep-water species to the upper-level water masses. Despite the oligotrophic nature of the Brazil Current, the densities found were higher than those observed along the Brazilian coast and in other tropical regions. http://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/49.2/230.pdf

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of environmental and water quality parameters on the functioning of copepod assemblages in tropical estuaries

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2017

We examined changes in the functioning of copepod assemblages with increasing pollution in estuar... more We examined changes in the functioning of copepod assemblages with increasing pollution in estuaries, using sampling standardization of the salinity range to enable comparisons. Copepod assemblages were analyzed in four southeast Brazilian estuaries with different water quality levels and hydrodynamic characteristics over two years. We obtained mesozooplankton samples together with environmental and water quality parameters in the estuaries, every two months under predetermined salinities ranging from 15 to 25. The values of parameters, except species size, associated with the functioning of the copepod assemblages (biomass, productivity, and turnover rate) did not differ among estuaries. However, in the more polluted estuaries, the biomass and productivity of copepod assemblages of mesozooplankton were negatively correlated with concentration of pollution indicator parameters. Conversely, in the less polluted

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in the structure of copepod assemblages in four tropical estuaries: Importance of pollution and the estuary hydrodynamics

Marine pollution bulletin, Jan 22, 2016

We examined the relationship between pollution and structure of copepod assemblages in estuaries,... more We examined the relationship between pollution and structure of copepod assemblages in estuaries, using sampling standardization of salinity range to reduce the effects of "Estuarine Quality Paradox". Copepod assemblages were analyzed in four Southeast Brazilian estuaries with different water quality levels and different hydrodynamic characteristics. The pollution negatively impacted the descriptors of the assemblage structure. The distribution of structure of copepod assemblages also showed a main separation trend between the most polluted estuaries and those less polluted. Temperature was the main factor affecting the assemblage structuring in the four estuaries. This factor acted in synergism with the effects of pollution impact and physical characteristics of the estuaries on the structure of copepod assemblages, supporting the potential vulnerability of coastal environments due to nutrient enrichment associated with climate change. Our study demonstrated the importanc...

Research paper thumbnail of Horizontal and vertical distribution of mesozooplankton species richness and composition down to 2,300 m in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

Zoologia (Curitiba), 2014

We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the contin... more We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the continental shelf and slope, and in the water masses in the Campos Basin, southwest Atlantic Ocean. We analyzed the mesozooplankton from two oceanographic cruises (rainy and dry seasons, 2009) with samples taken in five different water masses from the surface to 2,300 m depth. In the Subsurface Water (SS), in both sampling periods, more species were recorded over the slope (rainy: 100; dry: 128) than the continental shelf (rainy: 97; dry: 104). Over the slope, species richness decreased with increasing depth: the highest values were observed in the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW), and the lowest values in the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), in both sampling periods. We recorded 262 species in 10 groups (Hydrozoa,

Research paper thumbnail of New records of Monstrilloida Sars, 1901 (Crustacea: Copepoda) from Rio Grande do Norte (northeastern coast of Brazil)

Biota Neotropica, 2008

During a series of zooplankton surveys carried out during 1984, off the south coast of the state ... more During a series of zooplankton surveys carried out during 1984, off the south coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, several species of monstrilloids were present in the samples. A total of 50 individuals of monstrilloid copepods were collected. These belong to four species (Monstrilla brasiliensis Suárez-Morales…

Research paper thumbnail of Seasonal variability of planktonic copepods (Copepoda: Crustacea) in a tropical estuarine region in Brazil

Zoologia (Curitiba, Impresso), 2009

In aquatic ecosystems, copepods are generally the most important component of the mesozooplankton... more In aquatic ecosystems, copepods are generally the most important component of the mesozooplankton in terms of abundance, biomass and diversity, and serve as an important link by transferring energy and organic materials between primary producers (phytoplankton) and animals of higher trophic levels such as planktivorous fish and carnivorous invertebrates (ARA 2004, SHIMODE et al. 2006). Spatial-temporal studies of copepod diversity and abundance are fundamental to assess their contribution to the production and flow of particulate and dissolved organic materials, as well as their role in estuary trophodynamics (PERISSINOTTO et al. 2003, MAGALHÃES et al. 2006). In tropical oceans, community seasonal dynamics are difficult to identify and are much less pronounced than those observed in temperate aquatic ecosystems. Seasonal variations recorded in tropical and subtropical coastal regions are mainly determined by the local influence of the rainy and dry seasons and by regional oceanographic phenomena. These phenomena derive from singular or irregular events, in contrast to those observed in temperate and polar seas, where biomass variations along the year are more predictable (NYBAKKEN & BERTNESS 2005). In the southwest Atlantic, on the Brazilian northeastern coast, the coastal zone of Caravelas (Bahia) contains diverse and productive ecological systems, including the Abrolhos coral reefs, considered the most important coral reef complex in the South Atlantic Ocean. In this region, ecotourism and recreation compete with the extensive, uncontrolled and exploitative local fishery, urban expansion, port construction, industries (paper mills), forestry, and fossil fuel exploration (ANDRADE & DOMINGUEZ 2002, ANP 2009). As many other areas along the Brazilian coast (ANP 2009), the region between the border of the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo and Prado city (state of Bahia), where the Mucuri mangrove and Caravelas Bay are located, is poorly studied, as are other areas along the Brazilian coast (ANP 2009). Zooplankton studies in these areas have dealt with aspects of the population and/or community structure, spatial distribution and seasonal variation in abundance (

Research paper thumbnail of Inter-annual variability of planktonic copepods in a tropical bay in southeastern Brazil

Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 2008

The aim of this work was to study the structure of the copepod community in relation to hydrograp... more The aim of this work was to study the structure of the copepod community in relation to hydrographic conditions in Espírito Santo Bay, from 1993 to 1997. Zooplankton samples were obtained in the horizontal tows four times a year, using a 200 µm net. Temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were determined in the water samples. The overall mean density of the copepods was 9,085 ind.m-3 with the peaks exceeding 15,000 ind.m-3 in the summer and autumn during the first three years (1993 - 1995). The PCA analysis was used to relate the environmental conditions with the distribution of the copepods. The increases in the abundant species, namely Acartia lilljeborgi, Oithona hebes, Oithona oculata, Paracalanus quasimodo, Parvocalanus crassirostris and Euterpina acutifrons, were related to the decreases in the diversity. The spatial and temporal variations of the temperature and salinity influenced the abundance of the species during the five years of the sampling and the dominant species ...

Research paper thumbnail of Spatial and temporal changes in biomass, production and assemblage structure of mesozooplanktonic copepods in the tropical south-west Atlantic Ocean

We examined the spatial and temporal variations of coastal and oceanic epipelagic copepods (rainy... more We examined the spatial and temporal variations of coastal and oceanic epipelagic copepods (rainy–dry seasons of 2009) in a tropical area of the south-west Atlantic. Zooplankton samples were obtained at 48 stations along six transects perpendicular to the coast, in the subsurface water between the 25 and 3000 m isobaths, by horizontal hauls using a Multinet. Abundance (42–64,753 ind. m−3), biomass (0.08–113 mg C m−3) and daily copepod production (0.17–163.20 mg C m−3 d−1) showed longitudinal and latitudinal variability. The highest values were observed over the southern continental shelf during the dry season. Temoridae, Undinula vulgaris and Paracalanus quasimodo dominated the biomass and daily copepod production during the rainy season; while Calanoides carinatus, Calanopia americana, Clausocalanidae, Temoridae, Paracalanidae and Subeucalanidae dominated during the dry season. The copepod assemblages formed four different groups: rainy season–continental shelf (1), dry season–continental shelf (2), rainy season–continental slope (3) and dry season–continental slope (4). Temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and suspended particulate matter explained 45% of the productivity distribution of the dominant copepod species. This study is the first attempt to examine the biomass and daily copepod production in oceanic waters in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, and it showed that copepod biomass and production in a tropical region can be relatively high compared with other regions of the world&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s oceans.

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of Euchaeta paraconcinna Fleminger, 1957 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida) in a coastal area of Bahia State, northeastern Brazil

Biota Neotropica, 2006

The calanoid copepod Euchaeta paraconcinna Fleminger, 1957 is reported from Camamu Bay, state of ... more The calanoid copepod Euchaeta paraconcinna Fleminger, 1957 is reported from Camamu Bay, state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil (14º02'49"S;…

Research paper thumbnail of Variações na estrutura da comunidade zooplanctônica próxima a usina I da Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto (CNAAA)-(Angra Dos Reis-RJ-Brasil)- …

Brazilian Archives of Biology …, 1999

During the years of 1980/80 was performed a ecological study in Ribeira Bay (Angra dos Reis-R.J.-... more During the years of 1980/80 was performed a ecological study in Ribeira Bay (Angra dos Reis-R.J.-Brazil) in order to provide informations about of the planktonic community in pre-operational conditions, in the region of the Admiral Álvaro Aberto Nuclear Power Plant (C.N.A.A.A.). After 10 years of activities of the Nuclear Power Plant the zooplankton material was obtained in vertical hauls with a net of 150 µm at two fixed points (Piraquara de Fora Cove and Itaorna Beach) in order to study the zooplankton associations related to environmental variables and comparing with the anterior study. The zooplankton evolution showed a sazonal variation with the dominance of the holoplanktonic organisms. The Copepoda showed its the greatest growth during the autumn and the winter. During the summer and the spring its relative abundance suffered a progressive diminution when the Cladocera passed to be the more representative organisms without a competition between its. The sazonal variation presented by the organisms was related with the raining period that fall in the region.

Research paper thumbnail of The copepod assemblage (Copepoda: Crustacea) on the inner continental shelf adjacent to Camamu Bay, northeast Brazil

Zoologia (Curitiba, Impresso), 2009

The Camamu-Almada basin is located on the northeast coast of Brazil, on the south coast of the st... more The Camamu-Almada basin is located on the northeast coast of Brazil, on the south coast of the state of Bahia. It is also known as the Cocoa Coast near the municipality of Ilhéus, and as the Dendê Coast near the municipalities of Camamu, Nilo Peçanha, Ituberá and Salvador. The main source of income in the region involves the exploration of natural resources, of which small-scale fishery is one of the most important (SOUZA & PETRERE-JR 2008). Much of the coast is extremely indented, with innumerable islands, several estuaries and the large Camamu Bay (MILANI et al. 2000). Camamu Bay is the third largest bay in Brazil that allows traffic of ships, exceeded only by the Todos os Santos and Guanabara bays. Camamu Bay is surrounded by an extensive mangrove forest, more than 40 km² in area. The bay is of great economic importance in the southern part of the northeast coast of Brazil, because of its primary production, supplying fish for local consumption and commercial sale, and also mining and tourist areas (DE OLIVEIRA et al. 2002, LIMA 2003). The plankton of ocean environments is unevenly distributed ('patchy'), and the importance of spatial heterogeneity to plankton ecology is well recognized. Plankton communities are often structured in assemblages with a close relationship to environmental characteristics. The distribution of water masses and currents constitutes the basis for the interpretation of plankton distributional patterns (BERASATEGUI et al. 2006). Investigations on epipelagic copepods off Brazil, reviewed by BRANDINI et al. (1997), began at the end of the 1900s. BJÖRNBERG (1963) provided the first detailed account on the communities of epipelagic species in relation to the distribution of water masses. Few zooplankton surveys have been carried out on the continental shelf off northern Bahia (NEUMANN-LEITÃO 1995). BJÖRNBERG (1963), GAUDY (1963), SEGUIN (1965) and VALENTIN & MONTEIRO-RIBAS (1993) studied the region between Todos os Santos Bay and Abrolhos Bank. The southern part of the northeast coast of Brazil is among the areas of the Brazilian coast with the fewest studies published on the estuarine and coastal zooplankton communities (NEUMANN-LEITÃO 1995). Until the end of the 2000s, only dissertations, theses and the works of SANTOS (1973) and

Research paper thumbnail of Taxonomia e distribuição geográfica dos Monstrilloida (Copepoda–Crustacea) do Atlântico Sul Ocidental

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in the structure of copepod assemblages in four tropical estuaries: Importance of pollution and the estuary hydrodynamics

We examined the relationship between pollution and structure of copepod assemblages in estuaries,... more We examined the relationship between pollution and structure of copepod assemblages in estuaries, using sampling standardization of salinity range to reduce the effects of “Estuarine Quality Paradox”. Copepod assemblages were analyzed in four Southeast Brazilian estuaries with different water quality levels and different hydrodynamic
characteristics. The pollution negatively impacted the descriptors of the assemblage structure. The distribution of structure of copepod assemblages also showed a main separation trend between the most polluted estuaries and those less polluted. Temperature was the main factor affecting the assemblage structuring in the four estuaries. This factor acted in synergism with the effects of pollution impact and physical characteristics of the estuaries on the structure of copepod assemblages, supporting the potential vulnerability of coastal environments due to nutrient enrichment associatedwith climate change. Our study demonstrated the importance of sampling standardization of the salinity range in estuaries for reliable analysis of pollution effects on biota.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of environmental and water quality parameters on the functioning of copepod assemblages in tropical estuaries

We examined changes in the functioning of copepod assemblages with increasing pollution in estuar... more We examined changes in the functioning of copepod assemblages with increasing pollution in estuaries, using sampling standardization of the salinity range to enable comparisons. Copepod assemblages were analyzed in four southeast Brazilian estuaries with different water quality levels and hydrodynamic characteristics over two years. We obtained mesozooplankton samples together with environmental and water quality parameters in the estuaries, every two months under predetermined salinities ranging from 15 to 25. The values of parameters, except species size, associated with the functioning of the
copepod assemblages (biomass, productivity, and turnover rate) did not differ among estuaries. However, in the more polluted estuaries, the biomass and productivity of copepod assemblages of mesozooplankton
were negatively correlated with concentration of pollution indicator parameters. Conversely, in the less polluted estuaries some degree of enrichment still seems to increase the system biomass and productivity, as these parameters were inversely related to indicators of improved water quality. The pollution level of estuaries distorted the relationship between temperature and the efficiency of converting energy to organic matter. In the less polluted estuaries, the relationship between turnover rate and temperature was over 70%, while in the most polluted estuaries, this relationship was only approximately 50%. Our results demonstrated that the functioning of assemblages in the estuaries was affected differently by increasing pollution depending on the water quality level of the system. Thus, investigating the functioning of assemblages can be a useful tool for the analysis of estuarine conditions.

Research paper thumbnail of Horizontal and vertical distribution of mesozooplankton species richness and composition down to 2,300 m in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the contin... more We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the continental shelf and slope, and in the water masses in the Campos Basin, southwest Atlantic Ocean. We analyzed the mesozooplankton from two oceanographic cruises (rainy and dry seasons, 2009) with samples taken in five different water masses from the surface to 2,300 m depth. In the Subsurface Water (SS), in both sampling periods, more species were recorded over the slope (rainy: 100; dry: 128) than the continental shelf (rainy: 97; dry: 104). Over the slope, species richness decreased with increasing depth: the highest values were observed in the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW), and the lowest values in the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), in both sampling periods. We recorded 262 species in 10 groups (Hydrozoa,
Siphonophora, Ctenophora, Branchiopoda, Copepoda, Euphausiacea, Decapoda, Chaetognatha, Appendicularia e Thaliacea), with 13 new occurrences for the southwest Atlantic. Copepoda was the group with the highest species richness, containing 138 species. In both periods, the samples from SS, SACW and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW)/
Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (UCDW) were clustered in different faunistic zones, based on species composition. This study confirmed that zooplankton richness in the southwest Atlantic Ocean is underestimated, and suggests that additional efforts must be directed toward a better understanding of this fairly unknown region.

Research paper thumbnail of Spatial and temporal changes in biomass, production and assemblage structure of mesozooplanktonic copepods in the tropical south-west Atlantic Ocean

We examined the spatial and temporal variations of coastal and oceanic epipelagic copepods (rainy... more We examined the spatial and temporal variations of coastal and oceanic epipelagic copepods (rainy–dry seasons of 2009) in a tropical area of the south-west Atlantic. Zooplankton samples were obtained at 48 stations along six transects perpendicular to the coast, in the subsurface water between the 25 and 3000 m isobaths, by horizontal hauls using a Multinet. Abundance (42–64,753 ind. m-3), biomass (0.08–113 mg C m-3) and daily copepod production (0.17–163.20 mg C m-3.d-1) showed longitudinal and latitudinal variability. The highest values were observed over the southern continental shelf during the dry season. Temoridae, Undinula vulgaris and Paracalanus quasimodo dominated the biomass and daily copepod production during the rainy season; while Calanoides carinatus, Calanopia americana, Clausocalanidae, Temoridae, Paracalanidae and Subeucalanidae dominated during the dry season. The copepod assemblages formed four different groups: rainy season–continental shelf (1), dry season–continental shelf (2), rainy season–continental slope (3) and dry season–continental slope (4). Temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and suspended particulate matter explained 45% of the productivity distribution of the dominant copepod species. This study is the first attempt to examine the biomass and daily copepod production in oceanic waters in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, and it showed that copepod biomass and production in a tropical region can be relatively high compared with other regions of the world’s oceans.

Research paper thumbnail of Seasonal variability of planktonic copepods (Copepoda: Crustacea) in a tropical estuarine region in Brazil

The Caravelas River estuary and adjacent coastal region were studied during the rainy and dry sea... more The Caravelas River estuary and adjacent coastal region were studied during the rainy and dry seasons of 2003-2004 to assess the copepod community structure. Abiotic and biotic parameters were measured, and the total density, frequency and percentage of copepod taxa were determined for each sampling period. Copepod densities showed significant differences between sampling periods, with higher densities in the rainy seasons (Mean: 90,941.80 ind.m-3; S.D.: 26,364.79). The sampling stations located to the north and south, in the coastal region adjacent to the Caravelas River estuary presented the lowest copepod density values. The copepod assemblage was composed mainly of estuarine and estuarine/coastal copepods. The seasonal variations in temperature and salinity influenced the abundance of species during the rainy and dry seasons, with the following dominant species alternating: Paracalanus quasimodo Bowman, 1971 in the rainy season of 2003, Parvocalanus crassirostris Dahl, 1894 in the dry season of 2003 and Acartia lilljeborgii Giesbrecht, 1892 in the rainy and dry seasons of 2004. Non-parametric multidimensional scaling indicated differences in copepod assemblages between sampling periods, but not between sampling stations.l

Research paper thumbnail of Vertical Copepod Assemblages (0-2300 m) off Southern Brazil

Vertical copepod assemblages (0-2300 m) off southern Brazil. Zoological Studies 49(2): 230-242. T... more Vertical copepod assemblages (0-2300 m) off southern Brazil. Zoological Studies 49(2): 230-242. The structure of copepod assemblages in the region of the Campos Basin was studied for a 1 yr period. Zooplankton samples were obtained in the 2002 wet season and 2003 dry season, by stratified vertical hauls in 4 previously identified water masses: tropical water (TW), South Atlantic central water (SACW), intermediate Antarctica water (IAW), and North Atlantic deep water (NADW). Temperature and salinity were determined. The copepod mean density did not significantly differ (p < 0.05) between the northern and southern stations in the 2 seasons, but significantly differed among the water masses, and in each water mass in the 2 seasons, except for the SACW. The highest mean density was found in the TW, and the lowest in the NADW. Eighty-nine taxa of copepods, with 70 generally distributed species and 19 species exclusive to 1 or another water mass were recorded in the 4 water masses. The copepod assemblages of the Campos Basin showed tropical characteristics, and were numerically dominated by epipelagic species: Clausocalanus furcatus, Farranula gracilis, and Oncaea venusta in TW; Pleuromamma abdominalis, Macrosetella gracilis, Oncaea venusta, and Clausocalanus furcatus in the SACW; Clausocalanus furcatus, Oncaea venusta, Triconia conifera, and Calanoides carinatus in the IAW; and Oncaea venusta, Oithona similis, Clausocalanus furcatus, Farranula gracilis, and Mecynocera clausi in the NADW. Differences in the copepod community along the water column were found. Differences in copepod compositions and abundances were possibly a consequence of the influences of oceanic and shelf waters, with contributions of deep-water species to the upper-level water masses. Despite the oligotrophic nature of the Brazil Current, the densities found were higher than those observed along the Brazilian coast and in other tropical regions. http://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/49.2/230.pdf

Research paper thumbnail of Two new species of Monstrilla (Copepoda: Monstrilloida) from Brazil

Several specimens of monstrilloid copepods were collected in di¡erent localities of Brazil betwee... more Several specimens of monstrilloid copepods were collected in di¡erent localities of Brazil between 1993 and 1997. The taxonomic analysis of these specimens yielded the identi¢cation of two new species of Monstrilla. The ¢rst one, M. careli sp. nov. can be distinguished by a combination of several characters, including its body proportions, with a very long cephalothorax, by the particularly long terminal segment of the antennules, by the structure of its ¢fth legs, and by the very long dorsal seta on the caudal rami. The second species, M. brasiliensis sp. nov. can be distinguished by the peculiar features of its ¢fth leg, with a patch of long and stout hair-like setae along its outer margin; it has also a notched protuberance near the antennule bases. It has a notch on the anterior protuberance of the genital somite, and a ventrally swollen cephalothorax. This species, together with M. inserta Scott bears a pair of enigmatic structures which are either modi¢ed sensillae or a vestigial postantennular appendage not previously described in the Monstrilloida.

Research paper thumbnail of Studies on Zooplankton and Ichthyoplankton Communities Structure Off Rio De Janeiro Coastline

Oecologia Brasiliensis, 1999

Research paper thumbnail of Vertical Copepod Assemblages (0-2300 m) off Southern Brazil

Bonecker (2010) Vertical copepod assemblages (0-2300 m) off southern Brazil. Zoological Studies 4... more Bonecker (2010) Vertical copepod assemblages (0-2300 m) off southern Brazil. Zoological Studies 49(2): 230-242. The structure of copepod assemblages in the region of the Campos Basin was studied for a 1 yr period. Zooplankton samples were obtained in the 2002 wet season and 2003 dry season, by stratified vertical hauls in 4 previously identified water masses: tropical water (TW), South Atlantic central water (SACW), intermediate Antarctica water (IAW), and North Atlantic deep water (NADW). Temperature and salinity were determined. The copepod mean density did not significantly differ (p < 0.05) between the northern and southern stations in the 2 seasons, but significantly differed among the water masses, and in each water mass in the 2 seasons, except for the SACW. The highest mean density was found in the TW, and the lowest in the NADW. Eighty-nine taxa of copepods, with 70 generally distributed species and 19 species exclusive to 1 or another water mass were recorded in the 4 water masses. The copepod assemblages of the Campos Basin showed tropical characteristics, and were numerically dominated by epipelagic species: Clausocalanus furcatus, Farranula gracilis, and Oncaea venusta in TW; Pleuromamma abdominalis, Macrosetella gracilis, Oncaea venusta, and Clausocalanus furcatus in the SACW; Clausocalanus furcatus, Oncaea venusta, Triconia conifera, and Calanoides carinatus in the IAW; and Oncaea venusta, Oithona similis, Clausocalanus furcatus, Farranula gracilis, and Mecynocera clausi in the NADW. Differences in the copepod community along the water column were found. Differences in copepod compositions and abundances were possibly a consequence of the influences of oceanic and shelf waters, with contributions of deep-water species to the upper-level water masses. Despite the oligotrophic nature of the Brazil Current, the densities found were higher than those observed along the Brazilian coast and in other tropical regions. http://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/49.2/230.pdf

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of environmental and water quality parameters on the functioning of copepod assemblages in tropical estuaries

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2017

We examined changes in the functioning of copepod assemblages with increasing pollution in estuar... more We examined changes in the functioning of copepod assemblages with increasing pollution in estuaries, using sampling standardization of the salinity range to enable comparisons. Copepod assemblages were analyzed in four southeast Brazilian estuaries with different water quality levels and hydrodynamic characteristics over two years. We obtained mesozooplankton samples together with environmental and water quality parameters in the estuaries, every two months under predetermined salinities ranging from 15 to 25. The values of parameters, except species size, associated with the functioning of the copepod assemblages (biomass, productivity, and turnover rate) did not differ among estuaries. However, in the more polluted estuaries, the biomass and productivity of copepod assemblages of mesozooplankton were negatively correlated with concentration of pollution indicator parameters. Conversely, in the less polluted

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in the structure of copepod assemblages in four tropical estuaries: Importance of pollution and the estuary hydrodynamics

Marine pollution bulletin, Jan 22, 2016

We examined the relationship between pollution and structure of copepod assemblages in estuaries,... more We examined the relationship between pollution and structure of copepod assemblages in estuaries, using sampling standardization of salinity range to reduce the effects of "Estuarine Quality Paradox". Copepod assemblages were analyzed in four Southeast Brazilian estuaries with different water quality levels and different hydrodynamic characteristics. The pollution negatively impacted the descriptors of the assemblage structure. The distribution of structure of copepod assemblages also showed a main separation trend between the most polluted estuaries and those less polluted. Temperature was the main factor affecting the assemblage structuring in the four estuaries. This factor acted in synergism with the effects of pollution impact and physical characteristics of the estuaries on the structure of copepod assemblages, supporting the potential vulnerability of coastal environments due to nutrient enrichment associated with climate change. Our study demonstrated the importanc...

Research paper thumbnail of Horizontal and vertical distribution of mesozooplankton species richness and composition down to 2,300 m in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

Zoologia (Curitiba), 2014

We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the contin... more We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the continental shelf and slope, and in the water masses in the Campos Basin, southwest Atlantic Ocean. We analyzed the mesozooplankton from two oceanographic cruises (rainy and dry seasons, 2009) with samples taken in five different water masses from the surface to 2,300 m depth. In the Subsurface Water (SS), in both sampling periods, more species were recorded over the slope (rainy: 100; dry: 128) than the continental shelf (rainy: 97; dry: 104). Over the slope, species richness decreased with increasing depth: the highest values were observed in the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW), and the lowest values in the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), in both sampling periods. We recorded 262 species in 10 groups (Hydrozoa,

Research paper thumbnail of New records of Monstrilloida Sars, 1901 (Crustacea: Copepoda) from Rio Grande do Norte (northeastern coast of Brazil)

Biota Neotropica, 2008

During a series of zooplankton surveys carried out during 1984, off the south coast of the state ... more During a series of zooplankton surveys carried out during 1984, off the south coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, several species of monstrilloids were present in the samples. A total of 50 individuals of monstrilloid copepods were collected. These belong to four species (Monstrilla brasiliensis Suárez-Morales…

Research paper thumbnail of Seasonal variability of planktonic copepods (Copepoda: Crustacea) in a tropical estuarine region in Brazil

Zoologia (Curitiba, Impresso), 2009

In aquatic ecosystems, copepods are generally the most important component of the mesozooplankton... more In aquatic ecosystems, copepods are generally the most important component of the mesozooplankton in terms of abundance, biomass and diversity, and serve as an important link by transferring energy and organic materials between primary producers (phytoplankton) and animals of higher trophic levels such as planktivorous fish and carnivorous invertebrates (ARA 2004, SHIMODE et al. 2006). Spatial-temporal studies of copepod diversity and abundance are fundamental to assess their contribution to the production and flow of particulate and dissolved organic materials, as well as their role in estuary trophodynamics (PERISSINOTTO et al. 2003, MAGALHÃES et al. 2006). In tropical oceans, community seasonal dynamics are difficult to identify and are much less pronounced than those observed in temperate aquatic ecosystems. Seasonal variations recorded in tropical and subtropical coastal regions are mainly determined by the local influence of the rainy and dry seasons and by regional oceanographic phenomena. These phenomena derive from singular or irregular events, in contrast to those observed in temperate and polar seas, where biomass variations along the year are more predictable (NYBAKKEN & BERTNESS 2005). In the southwest Atlantic, on the Brazilian northeastern coast, the coastal zone of Caravelas (Bahia) contains diverse and productive ecological systems, including the Abrolhos coral reefs, considered the most important coral reef complex in the South Atlantic Ocean. In this region, ecotourism and recreation compete with the extensive, uncontrolled and exploitative local fishery, urban expansion, port construction, industries (paper mills), forestry, and fossil fuel exploration (ANDRADE & DOMINGUEZ 2002, ANP 2009). As many other areas along the Brazilian coast (ANP 2009), the region between the border of the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo and Prado city (state of Bahia), where the Mucuri mangrove and Caravelas Bay are located, is poorly studied, as are other areas along the Brazilian coast (ANP 2009). Zooplankton studies in these areas have dealt with aspects of the population and/or community structure, spatial distribution and seasonal variation in abundance (

Research paper thumbnail of Inter-annual variability of planktonic copepods in a tropical bay in southeastern Brazil

Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 2008

The aim of this work was to study the structure of the copepod community in relation to hydrograp... more The aim of this work was to study the structure of the copepod community in relation to hydrographic conditions in Espírito Santo Bay, from 1993 to 1997. Zooplankton samples were obtained in the horizontal tows four times a year, using a 200 µm net. Temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were determined in the water samples. The overall mean density of the copepods was 9,085 ind.m-3 with the peaks exceeding 15,000 ind.m-3 in the summer and autumn during the first three years (1993 - 1995). The PCA analysis was used to relate the environmental conditions with the distribution of the copepods. The increases in the abundant species, namely Acartia lilljeborgi, Oithona hebes, Oithona oculata, Paracalanus quasimodo, Parvocalanus crassirostris and Euterpina acutifrons, were related to the decreases in the diversity. The spatial and temporal variations of the temperature and salinity influenced the abundance of the species during the five years of the sampling and the dominant species ...

Research paper thumbnail of Spatial and temporal changes in biomass, production and assemblage structure of mesozooplanktonic copepods in the tropical south-west Atlantic Ocean

We examined the spatial and temporal variations of coastal and oceanic epipelagic copepods (rainy... more We examined the spatial and temporal variations of coastal and oceanic epipelagic copepods (rainy–dry seasons of 2009) in a tropical area of the south-west Atlantic. Zooplankton samples were obtained at 48 stations along six transects perpendicular to the coast, in the subsurface water between the 25 and 3000 m isobaths, by horizontal hauls using a Multinet. Abundance (42–64,753 ind. m−3), biomass (0.08–113 mg C m−3) and daily copepod production (0.17–163.20 mg C m−3 d−1) showed longitudinal and latitudinal variability. The highest values were observed over the southern continental shelf during the dry season. Temoridae, Undinula vulgaris and Paracalanus quasimodo dominated the biomass and daily copepod production during the rainy season; while Calanoides carinatus, Calanopia americana, Clausocalanidae, Temoridae, Paracalanidae and Subeucalanidae dominated during the dry season. The copepod assemblages formed four different groups: rainy season–continental shelf (1), dry season–continental shelf (2), rainy season–continental slope (3) and dry season–continental slope (4). Temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and suspended particulate matter explained 45% of the productivity distribution of the dominant copepod species. This study is the first attempt to examine the biomass and daily copepod production in oceanic waters in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, and it showed that copepod biomass and production in a tropical region can be relatively high compared with other regions of the world&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s oceans.

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of Euchaeta paraconcinna Fleminger, 1957 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida) in a coastal area of Bahia State, northeastern Brazil

Biota Neotropica, 2006

The calanoid copepod Euchaeta paraconcinna Fleminger, 1957 is reported from Camamu Bay, state of ... more The calanoid copepod Euchaeta paraconcinna Fleminger, 1957 is reported from Camamu Bay, state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil (14º02'49"S;…

Research paper thumbnail of Variações na estrutura da comunidade zooplanctônica próxima a usina I da Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto (CNAAA)-(Angra Dos Reis-RJ-Brasil)- …

Brazilian Archives of Biology …, 1999

During the years of 1980/80 was performed a ecological study in Ribeira Bay (Angra dos Reis-R.J.-... more During the years of 1980/80 was performed a ecological study in Ribeira Bay (Angra dos Reis-R.J.-Brazil) in order to provide informations about of the planktonic community in pre-operational conditions, in the region of the Admiral Álvaro Aberto Nuclear Power Plant (C.N.A.A.A.). After 10 years of activities of the Nuclear Power Plant the zooplankton material was obtained in vertical hauls with a net of 150 µm at two fixed points (Piraquara de Fora Cove and Itaorna Beach) in order to study the zooplankton associations related to environmental variables and comparing with the anterior study. The zooplankton evolution showed a sazonal variation with the dominance of the holoplanktonic organisms. The Copepoda showed its the greatest growth during the autumn and the winter. During the summer and the spring its relative abundance suffered a progressive diminution when the Cladocera passed to be the more representative organisms without a competition between its. The sazonal variation presented by the organisms was related with the raining period that fall in the region.

Research paper thumbnail of The copepod assemblage (Copepoda: Crustacea) on the inner continental shelf adjacent to Camamu Bay, northeast Brazil

Zoologia (Curitiba, Impresso), 2009

The Camamu-Almada basin is located on the northeast coast of Brazil, on the south coast of the st... more The Camamu-Almada basin is located on the northeast coast of Brazil, on the south coast of the state of Bahia. It is also known as the Cocoa Coast near the municipality of Ilhéus, and as the Dendê Coast near the municipalities of Camamu, Nilo Peçanha, Ituberá and Salvador. The main source of income in the region involves the exploration of natural resources, of which small-scale fishery is one of the most important (SOUZA & PETRERE-JR 2008). Much of the coast is extremely indented, with innumerable islands, several estuaries and the large Camamu Bay (MILANI et al. 2000). Camamu Bay is the third largest bay in Brazil that allows traffic of ships, exceeded only by the Todos os Santos and Guanabara bays. Camamu Bay is surrounded by an extensive mangrove forest, more than 40 km² in area. The bay is of great economic importance in the southern part of the northeast coast of Brazil, because of its primary production, supplying fish for local consumption and commercial sale, and also mining and tourist areas (DE OLIVEIRA et al. 2002, LIMA 2003). The plankton of ocean environments is unevenly distributed ('patchy'), and the importance of spatial heterogeneity to plankton ecology is well recognized. Plankton communities are often structured in assemblages with a close relationship to environmental characteristics. The distribution of water masses and currents constitutes the basis for the interpretation of plankton distributional patterns (BERASATEGUI et al. 2006). Investigations on epipelagic copepods off Brazil, reviewed by BRANDINI et al. (1997), began at the end of the 1900s. BJÖRNBERG (1963) provided the first detailed account on the communities of epipelagic species in relation to the distribution of water masses. Few zooplankton surveys have been carried out on the continental shelf off northern Bahia (NEUMANN-LEITÃO 1995). BJÖRNBERG (1963), GAUDY (1963), SEGUIN (1965) and VALENTIN & MONTEIRO-RIBAS (1993) studied the region between Todos os Santos Bay and Abrolhos Bank. The southern part of the northeast coast of Brazil is among the areas of the Brazilian coast with the fewest studies published on the estuarine and coastal zooplankton communities (NEUMANN-LEITÃO 1995). Until the end of the 2000s, only dissertations, theses and the works of SANTOS (1973) and

Research paper thumbnail of Taxonomia e distribuição geográfica dos Monstrilloida (Copepoda–Crustacea) do Atlântico Sul Ocidental

Research paper thumbnail of Differences in the structure of copepod assemblages in four tropical estuaries: Importance of pollution and the estuary hydrodynamics

We examined the relationship between pollution and structure of copepod assemblages in estuaries,... more We examined the relationship between pollution and structure of copepod assemblages in estuaries, using sampling standardization of salinity range to reduce the effects of “Estuarine Quality Paradox”. Copepod assemblages were analyzed in four Southeast Brazilian estuaries with different water quality levels and different hydrodynamic
characteristics. The pollution negatively impacted the descriptors of the assemblage structure. The distribution of structure of copepod assemblages also showed a main separation trend between the most polluted estuaries and those less polluted. Temperature was the main factor affecting the assemblage structuring in the four estuaries. This factor acted in synergism with the effects of pollution impact and physical characteristics of the estuaries on the structure of copepod assemblages, supporting the potential vulnerability of coastal environments due to nutrient enrichment associatedwith climate change. Our study demonstrated the importance of sampling standardization of the salinity range in estuaries for reliable analysis of pollution effects on biota.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of environmental and water quality parameters on the functioning of copepod assemblages in tropical estuaries

We examined changes in the functioning of copepod assemblages with increasing pollution in estuar... more We examined changes in the functioning of copepod assemblages with increasing pollution in estuaries, using sampling standardization of the salinity range to enable comparisons. Copepod assemblages were analyzed in four southeast Brazilian estuaries with different water quality levels and hydrodynamic characteristics over two years. We obtained mesozooplankton samples together with environmental and water quality parameters in the estuaries, every two months under predetermined salinities ranging from 15 to 25. The values of parameters, except species size, associated with the functioning of the
copepod assemblages (biomass, productivity, and turnover rate) did not differ among estuaries. However, in the more polluted estuaries, the biomass and productivity of copepod assemblages of mesozooplankton
were negatively correlated with concentration of pollution indicator parameters. Conversely, in the less polluted estuaries some degree of enrichment still seems to increase the system biomass and productivity, as these parameters were inversely related to indicators of improved water quality. The pollution level of estuaries distorted the relationship between temperature and the efficiency of converting energy to organic matter. In the less polluted estuaries, the relationship between turnover rate and temperature was over 70%, while in the most polluted estuaries, this relationship was only approximately 50%. Our results demonstrated that the functioning of assemblages in the estuaries was affected differently by increasing pollution depending on the water quality level of the system. Thus, investigating the functioning of assemblages can be a useful tool for the analysis of estuarine conditions.

Research paper thumbnail of Horizontal and vertical distribution of mesozooplankton species richness and composition down to 2,300 m in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the contin... more We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the continental shelf and slope, and in the water masses in the Campos Basin, southwest Atlantic Ocean. We analyzed the mesozooplankton from two oceanographic cruises (rainy and dry seasons, 2009) with samples taken in five different water masses from the surface to 2,300 m depth. In the Subsurface Water (SS), in both sampling periods, more species were recorded over the slope (rainy: 100; dry: 128) than the continental shelf (rainy: 97; dry: 104). Over the slope, species richness decreased with increasing depth: the highest values were observed in the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW), and the lowest values in the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), in both sampling periods. We recorded 262 species in 10 groups (Hydrozoa,
Siphonophora, Ctenophora, Branchiopoda, Copepoda, Euphausiacea, Decapoda, Chaetognatha, Appendicularia e Thaliacea), with 13 new occurrences for the southwest Atlantic. Copepoda was the group with the highest species richness, containing 138 species. In both periods, the samples from SS, SACW and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW)/
Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (UCDW) were clustered in different faunistic zones, based on species composition. This study confirmed that zooplankton richness in the southwest Atlantic Ocean is underestimated, and suggests that additional efforts must be directed toward a better understanding of this fairly unknown region.

Research paper thumbnail of Spatial and temporal changes in biomass, production and assemblage structure of mesozooplanktonic copepods in the tropical south-west Atlantic Ocean

We examined the spatial and temporal variations of coastal and oceanic epipelagic copepods (rainy... more We examined the spatial and temporal variations of coastal and oceanic epipelagic copepods (rainy–dry seasons of 2009) in a tropical area of the south-west Atlantic. Zooplankton samples were obtained at 48 stations along six transects perpendicular to the coast, in the subsurface water between the 25 and 3000 m isobaths, by horizontal hauls using a Multinet. Abundance (42–64,753 ind. m-3), biomass (0.08–113 mg C m-3) and daily copepod production (0.17–163.20 mg C m-3.d-1) showed longitudinal and latitudinal variability. The highest values were observed over the southern continental shelf during the dry season. Temoridae, Undinula vulgaris and Paracalanus quasimodo dominated the biomass and daily copepod production during the rainy season; while Calanoides carinatus, Calanopia americana, Clausocalanidae, Temoridae, Paracalanidae and Subeucalanidae dominated during the dry season. The copepod assemblages formed four different groups: rainy season–continental shelf (1), dry season–continental shelf (2), rainy season–continental slope (3) and dry season–continental slope (4). Temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a and suspended particulate matter explained 45% of the productivity distribution of the dominant copepod species. This study is the first attempt to examine the biomass and daily copepod production in oceanic waters in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, and it showed that copepod biomass and production in a tropical region can be relatively high compared with other regions of the world’s oceans.

Research paper thumbnail of Seasonal variability of planktonic copepods (Copepoda: Crustacea) in a tropical estuarine region in Brazil

The Caravelas River estuary and adjacent coastal region were studied during the rainy and dry sea... more The Caravelas River estuary and adjacent coastal region were studied during the rainy and dry seasons of 2003-2004 to assess the copepod community structure. Abiotic and biotic parameters were measured, and the total density, frequency and percentage of copepod taxa were determined for each sampling period. Copepod densities showed significant differences between sampling periods, with higher densities in the rainy seasons (Mean: 90,941.80 ind.m-3; S.D.: 26,364.79). The sampling stations located to the north and south, in the coastal region adjacent to the Caravelas River estuary presented the lowest copepod density values. The copepod assemblage was composed mainly of estuarine and estuarine/coastal copepods. The seasonal variations in temperature and salinity influenced the abundance of species during the rainy and dry seasons, with the following dominant species alternating: Paracalanus quasimodo Bowman, 1971 in the rainy season of 2003, Parvocalanus crassirostris Dahl, 1894 in the dry season of 2003 and Acartia lilljeborgii Giesbrecht, 1892 in the rainy and dry seasons of 2004. Non-parametric multidimensional scaling indicated differences in copepod assemblages between sampling periods, but not between sampling stations.l

Research paper thumbnail of Vertical Copepod Assemblages (0-2300 m) off Southern Brazil

Vertical copepod assemblages (0-2300 m) off southern Brazil. Zoological Studies 49(2): 230-242. T... more Vertical copepod assemblages (0-2300 m) off southern Brazil. Zoological Studies 49(2): 230-242. The structure of copepod assemblages in the region of the Campos Basin was studied for a 1 yr period. Zooplankton samples were obtained in the 2002 wet season and 2003 dry season, by stratified vertical hauls in 4 previously identified water masses: tropical water (TW), South Atlantic central water (SACW), intermediate Antarctica water (IAW), and North Atlantic deep water (NADW). Temperature and salinity were determined. The copepod mean density did not significantly differ (p < 0.05) between the northern and southern stations in the 2 seasons, but significantly differed among the water masses, and in each water mass in the 2 seasons, except for the SACW. The highest mean density was found in the TW, and the lowest in the NADW. Eighty-nine taxa of copepods, with 70 generally distributed species and 19 species exclusive to 1 or another water mass were recorded in the 4 water masses. The copepod assemblages of the Campos Basin showed tropical characteristics, and were numerically dominated by epipelagic species: Clausocalanus furcatus, Farranula gracilis, and Oncaea venusta in TW; Pleuromamma abdominalis, Macrosetella gracilis, Oncaea venusta, and Clausocalanus furcatus in the SACW; Clausocalanus furcatus, Oncaea venusta, Triconia conifera, and Calanoides carinatus in the IAW; and Oncaea venusta, Oithona similis, Clausocalanus furcatus, Farranula gracilis, and Mecynocera clausi in the NADW. Differences in the copepod community along the water column were found. Differences in copepod compositions and abundances were possibly a consequence of the influences of oceanic and shelf waters, with contributions of deep-water species to the upper-level water masses. Despite the oligotrophic nature of the Brazil Current, the densities found were higher than those observed along the Brazilian coast and in other tropical regions. http://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/49.2/230.pdf