Distribution of Euphausiid Crustaceans from the Agulhas Current

Abstract

Twenty-nine euphausiid species were collected during the three cruises of the S.A.S. Natal in 1958. Of these only Stylocheiron microphthalmia had not previously been taken in South African waters. The commonest euphausiid represented in the collection is a larval series which is provisionally linked with Euphausia recurva or E. mutica. The vertical and horizontal distribution of each species is re-corded and seasonal and latitudinal variation discussed. Stylocheiron suhmii, S. microphthalma and Thysanopoda tricuspidata are proposed as indicators of Agulhas Current water and Nyctiphanes capensis and Euphausia lucens as indicators of water not of Agulhas Current origin. The largest number of euphausiids was found off Port Elizabeth during both summer and winter.