Life cycle of Oithona similis (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) in Kola Bay (Barents Sea)

Abstract

The annual population dynamics (nauplii, old copepodites CIV–CV and adults) and seasonal variations in reproductive parameters of the cyclopoid copepod Oithona similis were investigated on the basis of the data 1999–2006 in Kola Bay, a large subarctic fjord in the Barents Sea. Population density of O. similis ranged from 110 to 9,630 ind m−3 and averaged 1,020 ± 336 ind m−3. The relative abundance of adults was high during winter (~60%). At the end of winter (mid-March), the population included a large percentage of later-stage copepodites (stage CIV 23% and stage CV 57%). There were two periods of mass spawning, in late June and September. Autumn and summer generations strongly differed in abundance, average prosome length (PL), clutch size (CS), egg diameter (D), egg production rates (EPR and SEPR) and female secondary production. Average PL decreased with increasing water temperature, while D and CS were strongly correlated with PL but unaffected by temperature. Annual average EPR and SEPR were 0.55 ± 0.18 eggs female−1 day−1 and 0.0011 ± 0.003 day−1, respectively. Female secondary production averaged 0.8 ± 0.3 μg C m−3 day−1 (range 0.001–3.58). There were positive relationships between abundance, EPR, SEPR, production and water temperatures. Reproductive parameters appeared to be controlled by hydrological factors and food conditions.