Spatial Distribution, Population Structure, and Predatory Impact of Gelatinous Predators on Zooplankton Community in Inshore Waters off Crimean Coast of the Black Sea

The study reports the data on distribution and predatory impact of gelatinous macroplankton mesozooplankton in inshore waters Crimea April 2016. In areas, comprised Scyphomedusae Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus, 1758) three ctenophore species (Mnemiopsis leidyi A. Agassiz, 1865, Beroe ovata Bruguire, 1789, Pleurobrachia pileus (O. F. Müller, 1776). biomass dominated everywhere varied from ~ 62 to 330 g·m‑2 different areas. largest was observed South Coast smallest Karkinitsky Bay, where number jellyfish high, suggesting predominance small individuals population. size structure population differed by region: proportion large animals increased West East. abundance M. were rather low: 0.33–1.45 ind·m‑2 1–51.7 g·m‑2, respectively (the exception position Kerch Strait, reached 2 ind. m‑2 126.3 g·m‑2); that occurred only at 33–45 % stations Bay – 17 %), with maximum values Crimea. Large, 55–70-mm, adult predominated. P. lower than all but its much higher. daily rations widely both entire area one region another. ration correlated carbon content body. predation pressure zooplankton very low did not result a crucial decrease abundance. effect leidyi, even biomass, stronger