ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Acartia bifilosa
;
Acartia tonsa
;
suspended particulate matter
;
feeding
;
productivity
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Acartia spp. are the dominant copepod species in the Gironde estuary, seaward of the turbidity maximum area. Acartia bifilosa develop a large population in spring and early summer whereas Acartia tonsa appear in late summer. High values and high variability of chlorophyll a/suspended particulate matter ratio are found seaward of the turbidity maximum area. Feeding rates of A. bifilosa were measured by fluorometry. Phytoplankton ingestion was found to be highly variable, between 8 to 80% of copepod carbon body weight. Except for adult females, copepods were heavier in summer than in winter. PB ratios, estimated by the instantaneous growth rate method, varied from 0.03 d−1 to 0.14 d−1. The gut contents and P/B ratios of Acartia bifilosa were related to chl a/SPM ratio. From those data, and a few obtained for A. tonsa, it is concluded that only in summer months phytoplankton ingestion is enough to maintain secondary production.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00008575
