Western Atlantic midwater hydrozoan and scyphozoan medusae: in situ studies using manned submersibles

  • R. J. Larson
  • C. E. Mills
  • G. R. Harbison
Conference paper
Part of the Developments in Hydrobiology book series (DIHY, volume 66)

Abstract

Little is known about the biology and ecology of mesopelagic medusae. In part, this is because midwater trawls are used to collect fragile medusae and other gelatinous macroplankton. Additionally, nets cannot provide data on behavior and on biotic associations. Herein, in situ observations on northwestern Atlantic midwater medusae made using the Johnson-Sea-Link submersibles are reported. Included are depth and temperature ranges; notes on pigments; locomotory behavior; and notes on prey and predators.

Key words

North Atlantic midwater medusae hydromedusae scyphomedusae vertical distributions predation submersibles 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 1991

Authors and Affiliations

  • R. J. Larson
    • 1
  • C. E. Mills
    • 2
  • G. R. Harbison
    • 1
  1. 1.Harbor Branch Oceanographic InstitutionFort PierceUSA
  2. 2.Friday Harbor LaboratoriesUniversity of WashingtonFriday HarborUSA

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