Abstract
We examined the biological characteristics of euphausiids found in the stomachs of Adélie penguins in relation to sea-ice conditions in Lützow-Holm Bay over three seasons. Euphausiids, especially Euphausia superba, proved to be a staple food for Adélie penguins irrespective of the ice condition. Body length land maturity-stage compositions of euphausiids were different among seasons, probably reflecting sea-ice condition in summer. The mean body length decreased and maturity regressed during each season in E. superba, which was partly attributable to the selective feeding on large, mature female krill by Adélie penguins. The 1995/1996 year class of E. superba, which was spawned when the sea ice was most developed, was strong and conspicuous in the 1996/1997 and 1997/1998 seasons. This vigor indicates that sea ice provided females with good spawning conditions and larvae with good growth and survival rates.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 730-738 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Polar Biology |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| Publication status | Published - 2002 Dec 1 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)