Spatial distribution of chaetognaths off the northern Bicol Shelf, Philippines (Pacific coast)

The composition, abundance, and distribution of chaetognaths off the northern Bicol Shelf, Philippines (Pacific coast), from 31 stations along transects perpendicular to the coast were analysed. Samples were collected in April, 2001. In all, 26 species belonging to 14 genera were identified. Flaccisagitta enflata was the most abundant and frequently captured species at all stations, and constituted 41.9 % of the total specimens. Most of the smallest diversity values were observed from areas affected by upwelling, although the great-est densities were observed at stations located within the upwelling zones. The occurrence of mesopelagic and bathypelagic species (Decipisagitta decipiens, Caecosagitta macrocephala, and Eukrohnia fowleri), in samples collected from upper water layers, could be explained by vertical transport caused by upwelling