black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Synonyms: None.
Common names: None.
Labidocera brunescens (Czernjavsky, 1868)
Order CALANOIDA
Family PONTELLIDAE
Taxonomic description. One of three species of Pontellidae in the Black Sea, Sea of
Azov, and salty coastal wetlands. Head ovoid without lateral hooks and with one pair
of dorsal ocular lenses. A middle sized, rather transparent copepod. The length of the
females is 2.0-2.1 mm; that of the males 1.65-1.70 mm.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level: EN
Subregion level: EN (Ukrainian sector)
Distribution. Coastal waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, coastal lagoons and
limans, Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean.
Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. A neustonic species inhabiting
the surface layer (0-5 cm) of water. Winter eggs are laid on the bottom. Limiting
factors are pollution of the water surface and bottom hypoxia.
Population trends. A reduction by 60-70% over the last 10 years.
Threats. Pollution of the water surface and bottom hypoxia.
Conservation measures taken. None.
256