Amphipod biodiversity of shallow water in Mar Grande, Mar Piccolo and Gulf of Taranto (Ionian sea)

This study was carried out to determine the amphipod fauna in Mar Piccolo, Mar Grande and the Gulf of Taranto. A total of 65 species was determined and 25 species are new records in the seas of Taranto. The comparison of the data shows that the are examined presents a high difference regarding biocenotic index. The highest number of species was collected in the Gulf with 1944 individuals, belonging to 58 species and 19 families, followed by Mar Grande with 1448 individuals belonging to 36 species and 11 families; finally Mar Piccolo with 698 individuals, 12 species and 6 families, in the First Inlet and 546 individuals, 18 species and 6 families, inthe Second Inlet.