Hello everyone, While analyzing plankton samples collected near a desalination plant on the Algerian coast (Western Mediterranean Sea), I came across a copepod that appears to belong to the family Acartiidae. However, I am having difficulty identifying it at the species level.
I have attached an image of the specimen. Any suggestions from researchers familiar with Acartiidae morphology or regional zooplankton would be highly appreciated.
Thank you very much for your help!
Have you tried the iNaturalist site (https://www.inaturalist.org/)? Someone there might be able to help.
Dear Dr. Samira Benslimane,
In my opinion, the specimen may belong to the genus Paracartia. As for the species, I find it difficult to determine with certainty, as it would require a closer examination of the morphology and the setation of the legs.
By consulting the website https://copepodes.obs-banyuls.fr and considering the copepod species reported in the Algerian sector, a plausible hypothesis could be Paracartia latisetosa (adult female).
Dear Marco Grillo
Thank you very much for your helpful response regarding the identification of the specimen. I truly appreciate your time and expertise.
Your suggestion that it may belong to the genus Paracartia, and possibly Paracartia latisetosa, is very valuable. I will follow your recommendation and take a closer look at the morphological details, especially the leg setation, to try and confirm the species. The website you shared is also an excellent resource, and I will consult it thoroughly.
Again, thank you for your kind assistance.
Best regards,
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