Seasonal Variation in Copepod Community Structure in the Central Red Sea

The Red Sea is a semi-confined sea that combines high temperature, salinity and oligotrophic conditions. The majority of studies regarding zooplankton in the Red Sea have concentrated on its northern extent and especially the Gulf of Aqaba. However, studies in the central Red Sea are lacking. The aim of the present study was to examine the seasonal variation in the community structure of the dominant species of copepods in the central Red Sea. A clear seasonal succession of copepod species was found. In the summer months, a significant decrease in the total copepod abundance was observed. Additionally, a high occurrence of copepod carcasses was present in the water column. Furthermore, the fraction of unfertilized females increased significantly during the summer months. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the community structure of copepods in the central Red Sea and the factors controlling the population structure of the dominant species of copepods in the area.