Biology and production of Nyctiphanes australis G.O. Sars, in the coastal waters of S.E. Tasmania

The euphausiid Nyctiphanes australis forms an important component of the zooplankton biomass in south-eastern Tasmanian coastal waters, particularly in Storm Bay where the species exists in high densities throughout most of the year. During the warmer spring and summer months, the standing crop of N. australis often exceeded the total copepod biomass. Rapid growth occurred throughout the year, with females reaching sexual maturity after 3 to 4 months. The total life span of N. australis is unlikely to exceed one year. The intermoult period increased exponentially with increase in body length and weight.