Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies referring the amphipod diversity have been mainly focused on the benthic environment. This study aimed to analye the epipelagic amphipod fauna composition in a sector of the southern Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Previous records in the Gulf mainly comprised the oceanic province; our dataset included both oceanic and neritic zones, off several fluvial and lagoon systems. The biological material comprised 485 data records and a total abundance of 3,802 individuals. NEW INFORMATION: Surveys were conducted at 21 sampling stations around the Veracruz Reef System National Marine Park, a marine protected area in the southern GoM. As a result of this research, we found 16 families, 34 genera and 78 species belonging to the suborder Hyperiidea. Our records include species from the oceanic province (up to 1,200 m depth), such as those from the genus Scinia, members of the infraorder Physosomata. In addition, Lycaeopsiszamboangae were found off the Alvarado Lagoon. Information on the habitat of 78 amphipod species (neritic, oceanic) is provided. The dataset is available at https://www.gbif.org/dataset/af18f3f8-f899-4c97-af47-8a110f856f92.