Distribution characteristics of zooplankton communities in offshore waters of the Southern Yellow Sea and the East China Sea in summer

The distribution characteristics of zooplankton communities were discussed based on the survey data in the offshore waters of the Southern Yellow Sea and the East China Sea (23.5°N~35.0°N, 117.5°E~125.5°E) in summer, 2013. Seven phyla including 252 species (excluding 58 larval planktons) were identified. The zooplanktons were classified into six communities by cluster analysis with obvious ecological characteristics of of key species. Community Ⅰ was dominated by Centropages dorsispinatus, Sagitta enflata, Calanus sinicus, etc.; Community Ⅱ was dominated by C.sinicus, S.enflata, Temora turbinata, etc.; Community Ⅲ was dominated by C.sinicus and S.enflata; Community Ⅳ was dominated by T.turbinate, Diphyes chamissonis, Subeucalanus subcrassus, etc.; Community Ⅴ was dominated by Acartia pacifica and Labidocera euchaeta; Community Ⅵ was dominated by L.euchaeta, S.crassa and Pleurobrachia globosa. The distribution pattern of zooplankton in the Southern Yellow Sea and the East China Sea showed a higher agreement with water sphere. Difference in temperature and salinity in different water masses might be the main factor leading to the distribution pattern of zooplankton.