The composition, distribution and abundance of the Family Corycaeidae (Copepoda: Poecilostomatoida) of
the Gulf of Cariaco were analyzed. Zooplankton samples were collected with a Bongo net (300 μm) in ten stations, covering
two sectors within the gulf: north and south. The surface water temperature and salinity showed significant differences
between the months but not between areas. Thirteen species were identified; the most common and abundant in both areas was
Corycaeus (Ditrichocorycaeus) amazonicus, followed by C. (Onychocorycaeus) catus and C. (Monocorycaeus) robustus in
the north, while in the south the species that followed in abundance were C. (Corycaeus) speciosus and Farranula rostrata.
Average density in the north zone was 914 ind. m-3, while it was lower in the south zone (145 ind. m-3). There were significant
differences in the overall density of corycaeids between zones, allowing the separation of these species into two groups:
marine and estuarine. The report of Corycaeus (M.) robustus and F. carinata are the first records for the Caribbean Sea and
the Gulf of Cariaco, respectively.