The seasonal and diel distribution of lobster larvae (Homarus gammarus (Linnaeus)) in the neuston of Galway Bay

• Published in: ICES Journal of Marine Science
• Main Authors: Tully, Oliver, Ó Céidigh, Padraig
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 1987
• Subjects: Articles; Homarus gammarus
• Online Access: http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/44/1/5; https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/44.1.5

A total of 50 lobster larvae were recorded in the neuston of Galway Bay, west of Ireland, from June to November 1983 and May to September 1984. One abnormal stage 4 larva was recorded. A total of 241 larvae were collected in 60 samples taken over two 24-hour sampling sessions. Larvae display diel vertical migration to and from the neuston. Densities were low during the day and night but increased at dawn and dusk. The dawn peak, which lasted from sunrise to 4–5 hours later, yielded the majority of larvae. Major changes in the abundance of larvae generally corresponded to similar changes in the volume of plankton at the surface. The effects of larval behaviour on estimates of their abundance, using neuston nets, are discussed.