Bio-ecological features of Crustacean fauna in Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, 1813 meadows on the Aegean coast of Turkey

In order to determine the Crustacean species associated with Posidonia oceanica meadows along the Aegean coasts of Turkey, a total of one hundred seventy two benthic samples taken from different two depths at twenty nine stations. This study, physico-chemical parameters of environment, phenological features of Posidonia oceanica meadows (shoot density, length of adult, intermediate and juvenile leaves) and the bio-ecological characteristics of Crustacea species distributed in Posidonia oceanica meadows were investigated. As a result of the qualitative and quantitative analysis of these samples, a total of two hundred species belonging to seven orders were found in the area. Among these, five species (Caprella tavolarensis, Eriopisella ruffoi, Iphimedia vicina, Astacilla mediterranea and Macropodia deflexa) were new records for the eastern Mediterranen fauna, one species (Apseudopsis minimus) was new record for the Turkish fauna and eight species (Gammaropsis crenulata, Iphimedia gibbula, Coxischyrocerus inexpectatus, Microprotopus maculatus, Gnathia dentata, Idotea pelagica, Stenosoma lancifer and Processa robusta) were new records for the Turkey's Aegean Sea coast. In addition, two alien (Ampithoe bizseli and Processa macrodactyla) and two bioeroder species were identified in the region. Amphipoda has the highest number of species and individuals in the research area. Chondrochelia savignyi from the Tanaidacea order was determined to be the most dominant and common species. A negative correlation was found between mean shoot density and depth also a positive correlation was found between mean adult and intermediate leaf length and depth; between mean shoot density and the number of species and individuals. There was no significant difference between diversity and evenness indexes values and depth.