Indicator Copepod Species and Their Distribution Along Algerian Coast During Spring 2019 (HYDROBIOS Cruise, 1° W–7° E, SW Mediterranean Sea)

ABSTRACT This study provides a comprehensive inventory of pelagic copepod biodiversity and an up‐to‐date census of indicator species in relation to environmental variability along the Algerian coast (1°57′ W and 7°14′ E), based on the ‘HYDROBIOS’ Oceanographic survey conducted in April 2019. In total, 88 copepod taxa are identified along the Algerian coastal regions. Biodiversity is highest in the central region (71 species), followed by the eastern (68 species) and the western regions (62 species). Qualitative patterns revealed distinct biogeographical assemblages with varying species composition and geographical distribution. Total copepod abundance (less than 350 ind·m −3 ) shows no significant longitudinal variability. Epipelagic species accounted for more than 40%. Some species such as N. minor , C. typicus , T. stylifera , P. attenuatus , E. elongatus elongatus , C. helgolandicus , C. arcuicornis arcuicornis , C. furcatus and A. limbatus contributed more than 65% of the total abundance. Omnivorous species dominated and filter feeders constituted an abundant component. Atlantic origin species are identified ( C. pavo , C. chierchiae , C. violaceus , M. clausi , M. tenuicornis , P. abdominalis abdominalis , P. xiphias , R. nasutus , S. crassus and T. longicornis ). Their specific richness is relatively similar among regions and their abundances increased from the western region toward the Centre and then decreased toward the eastern region. Their numerical levels significantly contribute to total abundance. IndVal index revealed 17 significant indicator species along the 3 geographic ecosystems.