Physiology, growth and development of larval krill ''Euphausia superba'' in autumn and winter in the Lazarev Sea, Antarctica

The condition of larvae was quantified in both seasons by determining their body length (BL), dry mass (DM), elemental- and biochemical composition, as well as stomach content analysis, and rates of metabolism and growth.

Overall the larvae in autumn were in better condition under the ice than in open water, and for those under the ice there was a decrease in condition from autumn to winter. Thus growth rates of furcilia larvae in open water in autumn were similar to winter values under the ice (mean 0.008 mm/d), whereas autumn, under ice values were higher: 0.015 mm/d. Equivalent larval stages had up to 30% lower BL and 70% lower DM in winter compared to autumn, with mean oxygen consumption 44% lower (0.54 µl O2 DM/h).