Özet:

The aim of this study was to understand the ecology of the ostracoda species obtained from Iskenderun Bay, the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Ecological parameters like temperature and salinity, affecting the distribution of the live ostracoda species are considerably higher in Iskenderun Bay than the middle and western parts of the Mediterranean Sea. This study was carried out along the coasts of Iskenderun Bay between 22-26 September 2002. Total of 27 genera and 56 ostracoda species were determined from 28 stations. Abundance of the ostracoda species in each station and the relationships between ostracoda species and ecological parameters were obtained for the first time. Nine ostracoda species (Costa edwardsii, Cytheridea neapolitana, Cyprideis torosa, Loculicytheretta pavonia, Loxoconcha agilis, Loxoconcha rubritincta, Pontocythere elongata, Pontocythere turbida, Xestoleberis communis) were determined as dominant species. In conclusion it was observed that nine dominant species were adapted well to the coastal ecosystem of Iskenderun Bay.

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