Zooplankton of Wellington Harbour, New Zealand
August
August
Sea surface temperatures are the lowest for the year in early August and readings below 9.5°C. are relatively common. However towards the end of August there is a rise to approximately 11°C. The volume of plankton is usually greater than 100cc, and is comprised mainly of Obelia geniculata medusae and Pleurobrachia pileus which occur in abundance. Octophialucium funerarium and Phialella quadrata are present but their abundance is variable. Fish eggs are very abundant and fish larvae very common. Copepoda are very common. The spring increase of larval Crustacea makes up about one-third of the volume of plankton. Twenty-eight species of larval decapod can be recognised in August samples, the most common larva being of Callianassa filholi.