Vertical distribution and feeding of the carnivorous copepod Paraeuchaeta norvegica

Abstract

Adult females of Paraeuchaeta norvegica inhabited the lower part of a 200 m deep water column in winter and early spring, while their distribution became more shallow during summer and comprised both a deep and a shallow mode during autumn. Day and night profiles were fairly similar, although with slightly shallower population distributions at night. P. norvegica produced fecal pellets at all seasons. Enumeration of the egested pellets suggested greatest feeding activity during late autumn and least during winter. Pellets were produced at all depths. Feeding activity was greatest at night.