Gonatid Squids in the Subarctic North Pacific Ecology, Biogeography, Niche Diversity and Role in the Ecosystem

摘要: Abstract This review is based on the author's own data and all available published (mostly Russian Japanese) ecology, biogeography role in ecosystem of gonatid squids northern North Pacific. For best studied species, Berryteuthis magister , information given size, horizontal vertical distribution, diel ontogenetic migrations, maturation, mating, spawning, fecundity, population structure, age, growth, life cycle, underwater behaviour, food feeding, predators. The assessed biomass its interannual dynamics fisheries importance are also covered. other, less studied, species genera (B. anonychus), Gonatopsis (three species) Gonatus (seven ecological biogeographical included. All compared according to their spawning habitats, migrations gelatinous degeneration associated with maturation. “ecological individuality” each evaluated. It shown that occupies niche but these niches overlap different degrees. history divergence Pacific gonatids during Neogene-Pleistocene period briefly reviewed. Common features described relative abundance general. Their roles ecosystem, as predators, prey, competitors hosts parasites total whole subarctic Far Eastern seas estimated approximately 15–20 million t. They contribute some 10–15% production mesopelagic cephalopods World Ocean. yearly consumption at 100–200 cycle shorter P/B-coefficient much higher than fishes. As a result, though squid (calculations for Okhotsk Sea) 10% fish population, they form 58–67% annual production. Thus have an important place Russia.