Ecology, life history and migration patterns of two key estuarine amphipods (Gammarus chevreuxi and Corophium multisetosum) in the Minho River (NW Iberian Peninsula)

Nuno Gomes; Carlos Antunes

doi:10.3989/graellsia.2026.v82.774

Authors

Nuno Gomes Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto - Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto (FCUP) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5513-6875
Carlos Antunes Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto - Aquamuseu do Rio Minho https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3736-5743

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/graellsia.2026.v82.774

Keywords:

Amphipoda, Gammaridae, Corophiidae, estuarine ecology, life history

Abstract

Abundance and biomass of Gammarus chevreuxi and Corophium multisetosum were analysed monthly for one year, along the salinity gradient of the Minho River estuary. Both species were more abundant in the middle estuary with juveniles migrating upstream after the reproductive peaks (between late summer and early winter). After maturation, adults migrated downstream where optimal reproductive conditions were found. Subtidal sediments contained the majority of the populations with adult migrations occurring towards intertidal sediments during the summer. Densities for both species are much lower than in Ria de Aveiro, a estuary at a similar latitude. Unusually skewed sex ratios in favour of females were found prompting further investigation into the causes of this phenomenon.

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