MICROHABITAT CARACTERIZATION OF Chelonia mydas (CHELONIDAE) OFF THE CENTRAL COAST OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Abstract

The microhabitat of Chelonia mydas at Cabezo reef is composed by seven bottom types of coral reef. Oceanographic parameters consisting in shallow water less than 2.4 m deep, water temperature fluctuating between 24.8 and 30.3 °C, dissolved oxygen concentrations ranging from 3.6 to 7.7 mg/L, and salinity ranging from 25.4 to 38.1 ppt were recorded. Temperature was the parameter that showed significant variation associated with the coral reef bottom. Greater turtle abundance was observed in the rainy season.