Thysanoessa macrura: life history parameters and lipid profiles

Zooplankton were collected with a Rectangular Midwater Trawl (RMT 8+1 net) from 37 sampling sites on and near the Southern Kerguelen Plateau. Specimens of the euphausiid Thysanoessa macrura were selected for cohort analysis, based on lengths, and allometry (dry weights and lengths). Lipids were extracted from the animals to provide a lipid content (%) as a function of dry weight. A small number of individuals was examined further to produce profiles of the main fatty acids and fatty alcohols. Instantaneous growth rate experiments (IGR) were conducted onboard to determine growth rates of males, females and juveniles.