Species richness and spatial distribution of benthic amphipods (Crustacea: Peracarida) in the Alacranes Reef National Park, Gulf of Mexico

摘要: The diversity and distribution of benthic amphipods has been explored in the Alacranes Reef, which is largest coral reef ecosystem Gulf Mexico. New insights into species richness, spatial extension geographical ranges are presented by using data from published records field surveys. A total 117 have recorded, 9 potentially new to science, 39 records, 7 non-indigenous previously reported literature as invasive. Based on use a species-richness indicator (Chao 2), expected number 40% higher, up 200 spp., when compared observed richness. varied significantly function habitat type, showing highest richness values patches major abundances man-made structures, such navigation buoys fishing traps. Multivariate analyses suggested distinction between three taxonomically diverse assemblages that showed similar ecological affinities, i.e. those on: (1) soft-bottom environments, grouping bare substrata seagrass beds habitats; (2) hard-bottom patch wall (3) artificial substrata. results highlight importance this for high amphipod diversity, but it susceptible future modifications presence species, invasive,