Taxonomy and Ecology of Sympatric Ampelisca Species (Crustacea, Amphipoda) From the Strait of Gibraltar to the Strait of Dover, North-Eastern Atlantic

The Ampeliscidae Kröyer, 1842 is amongst the most diverse amphipod families; it comprises four genera, Ampelisca being richest with more than 200 species. genus presents high morphological homogeneity and identification of species by ecologists remains difficult. are also characterized a degree sympatry, rare situation in amphipods, this study we report up to nine coexisting at same site. Recent benthic sampling publications, namely on Portuguese continental shelf English Channel, permit revisit available data taxonomy propose an updated key, as well distribution ecology 40-recorded along North Eastern Atlantic coast, from Strait Gibraltar, South, Dover, North. allow discussing sympatry syntopy such family co-occurrence several various scales observations, wider regional area, narrower local habitat. Two were recorded exclusively hard bottom, while other tend inhabit specific types soft ranging deep mud shallow coarse sand gravel, preference for muddy sandy habitats. A future sea water temperature increase scenario could modify geographical reproductive cycle, temperate North-eastern province.