Biochemical composition of crustacean zooplankton from the eastern Gulf of Mexico

摘要: Abstract Water, protein, lipid, and ash, were measured in 38 species of crustacean zooplankton (1 decapod, 1 mysid, 12 euphausiids, 24 copepods) found the upper 1000 m eastern Gulf Mexico. Deeper-living had higher water lower protein contents; lipid levels highest at mid-depths (500–550 m). Within vertically migrating genera, contents generally low. non-migratory genera high contents. Based on present results literature values for unassayed groups, standing stocks terms calories 30–50 during day 15 night, decreased exponentially with depth. The two mesopelagic contribute to a secondary peak zooplanktonic caloric content 550 m. This an average density here that is 1.5 times than individual animals surface. While populations this depth are sparse, energy per prey item can be high.