Peters, J., J. Renz, J.E.E. van Beusekom, M. Boersma & W. Hagen. (2006). Trophodynamics and seasonal cycle of the copepod Pseudocalanus acuspes in the Central Baltic Sea (Bornholm Basin): evidence from lipid composition. Marine Biology. 149(6):1417-1429.
Peters, J., J. Renz, J.E.E. van Beusekom, M. Boersma & W. Hagen
2006
Trophodynamics and seasonal cycle of the copepod Pseudocalanus acuspes in the Central Baltic Sea (Bornholm Basin): evidence from lipid composition.
Marine Biology
149(6):1417-1429.
Publication
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Seasonal lipid dynamics of the copepod Pseudocalanus acuspes were studied in the Bornholm Basin (Central Baltic Sea) on a monthly basis from March 2002 until March 2003 and were interpreted in light of life cycle strategies and diet selection. The individual total lipid content of females ranged from 0.9 to 1.8 ? g, with relative wax ester content reaching a signiWcant maximum in May (44% of total lipids) and minimum (17% of total lipids) in April and November. SigniWcant changes in size, lipid content, lipid classes and fatty acid composition of structural as well as storage lipids suggested Wve characteristic seasonal phases that were induced by diVerent feeding histories and environmental conditions. Storage lipids were characterized by 18:1(n¡9) as major component, which ranged between 44% of total fatty acids in June and 23% in February. The strong coherence between 18:1(n¡9) in the seston lipids and the occurrence of ciliates emphasized the importance of ciliates in the diet of P. acuspes. As indicated by changes in the amounts of fatty acid markers, other food sources varied over the year, suggesting an opportunistic feeding behavior. The spring period was characterized by an increase in typical diatom and dinoXagellate markers, whereas other sources, potentially cyanobacteria, became more important during summer. The life cycle strategy is discussed with respect to extant adaptations to high latitudinal habitats.
