New observations on the diel vertical distribution of Hydromedusae in the southern Benguela ecosystem

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Date

2003

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

NISC (Pty) Ltd and Taylor& Francis

Abstract

Diel vertical migration (DVM) of six common species of hydromedusae was investigated during two drogue studies conducted in St Helena Bay on the west coast of South Africa in February 1995. Clytia spp., Obelia spp. and Bougainvillia macloviana, were largely confined to surface waters and did not appear to display any DVM. By contrast, Leuckartiara octona and Euphysa aurata displayed clear DVM and, like Proboscidactyla menoni, were found at greater depths than the other species. The depth distribution and amplitude of migration varied between surveys for most species, so definitive interpretations of patterns could not be made.

Description

Keywords

Hydromedusae, Diel vertical migration, Benguela upwelling ecosystem

Citation

Buecher, E. and Gibbons, M.J. (2003). New observations on the diel vertical distribution of Hydromedusae in the southern Benguela ecosystem. African Journal of Marine Science 25(1): 231-238