Growth limitation in young Euphausia superba under field conditions

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.2000.45.1.0031
• Publication Date: 2010-06-02T08:24:12Z
• Authors: Robin M. Ross; Langdon B. Quetin; Karen S. Baker; Maria Vernet; Raymond C. Smith
• Keywords: Spring bloom; Antarctic krill; Bloom

Growth rates of late furcilia and juvenile Antarctic krill ( Euphausia superba Dana) in the spring summer were related to food quantity quality. The 4 yr covered by this study (1991–1992, 1993–1994, 1994–1995, 1995–1996) part seasonal time series Palmer Long‐Term Ecological Research program. Chlorophyll a concentrations represented quantity, accessory photosynthetic pigments phytoplank‐ton community composition or Instantaneous growth reflected situ nutritional history previous intermolt period. response environment was seen on temporal scales days weeks. Percent per period (percentage IMP −1 varied significantly both within between years, ranging from ∼2 10% . increased with increasing chlorophyll (Chl ), reaching maximum 9.3% above critical concentration about 3.5 mg m 23 Maximum reached only 2 yr, 1991–1992 1995–1996. In multiple regression analysis, total Chl prymnesiophyte‐Chl explained over 71% variance growth. general, highest found toward end diatom blooms lowest during periods low phytoplankton biomass dominated cryptophytes prymnesiophytes. results support hypothesis that are possible production is limited