Potential misidentifications of two climate indicator species of the marine arctic ecosystem: Calanus glacialis and C. finmarchicus

• DOI: 10.1007/s00300-012-1202-7
• Publication Date: 2012-06-10T08:59:04Z
• Authors: T. M. Gabrielsen; B. Merkel; J. E. Søreide; E. Johansson-Karl...; A. Bailey; D. Vogedes; H. Nygård; Ø. Varpe; J. Berge
• Keywords: Calanus; Calanus finmarchicus; Marine ecosystem; Fjord

Calanoid copepods of the genus Calanus represent an important, nutrient-rich food source for a multitude Arctic marine organisms. Although morphologically very similar, their life histories and ecological roles differ. Because distribution glacialis C. finmarchicus corresponds to Atlantic water masses, respectively, they are regularly used as climate indicators. A correct identification these species is therefore necessary in many ecological, environmental climatological studies. In this study, we aimed at validating traditionally morphological characteristics (combining prosome length copepodite stage) separation by using molecular tools (PCR–RFLP 16S mtDNA). total 418 specimens stages CIV, CV CVI(af) from three fjords have been identified both genetically. We find that systematically overestimates abundance expense glacialis. Hence, parts populations found be structurally smaller within population size range thus larger than previously assumed. Consequently, traditional delimitation poses serious problem use two indicators versus masses climatic Furthermore, it obscures our understanding history differences between relative importance number ecologically economically important Arctic.