| Abstrakt: |
Pelagic larval stages play a critical role in the dynamics of marine populations since they are the main way of dispersal and habitat colonization. Here, we examined the larval dispersal pathways of two common stomatopod species in the western Atlantic: Squilla empusa and Lysiosquilla scabricauda. To complement this goal, we also analyzed the haline tolerance of the stomatopod larvae collected in an estuary from the southern Gulf of Mexico. Larval dispersal was simulated using a Lagrangian particle‐tracking module coupled to the Global HYCOM model and consisted of releasing 100 passive particles from each starting site. Results indicated a high level of larval retention in the west Florida shelf and over the narrow western shelf of the Gulf of Mexico. In the South Atlantic Bight, Central America, and northern South America the larval transport was almost unidirectional following the pattern of currents. Generally, connections were among nearby sites, but long‐distance transport can also occur when larvae are trapped by great high‐speed currents. Retention of larvae and connection with neighboring sites were due to local atmospheric and hydrological conditions. During fieldwork, we found two kinds of larvae: antizoea and alima. Morphological characteristics of the antizoea correspond to the superfamily Lysiosquilloidea, and those of the alima, with the superfamily Squilloidea. The antizoea larvae were found in salinity values as low as 21.9 psu, while the alima were at 23.2 psu. Salinity tolerances and dispersal potential of larvae indicate a high level of colonization of new habitats and a broad intrusion into the estuaries. Plain Language Summary: Stomatopods, or mantis shrimp, are marine crustaceans mainly found in coastal waters and estuaries and whose larvae are the main way of dispersal in the oceans. Here, we examined the dispersal of stomatopod larvae in the western Atlantic using numerical models. For this purpose, we chose two common species: Squilla empusa and Lysiosquilla scabricauda. As well, we tried to detect the lower limit of salinity tolerance of larvae as an indication of their intrusion into estuaries. The simulation of the dispersion of larvae showed that connectivity occurs among nearby sites, but long‐distance transport of larvae may also occur. Retention of larvae and small‐distance connections were due to local atmospheric and hydrographic characteristics. Long‐distance transport may occur if larvae are trapped within great high‐speed currents. During several expeditions to an estuary, two kinds of larvae were found: antizoea and alima. The antizoea larvae correspond to the superfamily Lysiosquilloidea, whereas the alima, to the superfamily Squilloidea. The antizoea were recorded in salinities as low as 21.9 psu and the alima at 23.2 psu. The tolerance to salinity conditions, in combination with the dispersal degree of larvae, indicates the potential of larvae to colonize new habitats and enter into estuaries. Key Points: In most cases, connectivity occurs among nearby populations, but long‐distance transport can also occurTwo kinds of larvae were found in field expeditions: the antizoea recorded in salinities as low as 21.9 psu and the alima at 23.2 psuHaline tolerance and dispersal degree of larvae are indicative of their potential to colonize new habitats and enter into estuaries [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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