Seasonal distribution of species composition and abundance of chaetognaths in the Yumurtalik Inlet (Adana)

In this study, the samplings were made in four horizontal stations and in three vertical stations from coast to offshore, at seasonally between November 2005 and August 2006. Abundance and species composition of chaetognath was determined in Yumurtalık Inlet of Iskenderun Bay. A total of six species belonging to five genera were found: Flaccisagitta enflata, Mesosagitta minima, Serratosagitta serratodentata, Sagitta bipunctata, Parasagitta friderici and Parasagitta tenuis. In both of horizontal and vertical samplings, F. enflata was found as dominant species. Total abundance of all chaetognath species show difference at seasonally, highest abundance was found in spring and lowest one was found in summer. In this study, distribution, abundance and species composition of chaetognaths was examined in order to determine effect of seasonal changes. Species found were taken epipelagic depth, not include mesopelagic and deep water species. Keywords: Chaetognath, Abundance, İskenderun Bay