Predation by Medusae on Pacific Herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) Larvae

Abstract

In laboratory tests young Pacific herring (Clupea harengus pallasi) larvae were eaten by several species of hydromedusae common in coastal waters off British Columbia, including the previously controversial Sarsia tubulosa and by the scyphomedusa Aurelia aurita. Field collections and observations confirmed that the distributions of medusae and larvae overlap and that some medusae feed on herring larvae in nature. In coastal waters and bays of British Columbia, the hydromedusae Sarsia tubulosa or Aequorea victoria may be most abundant during the time of peak herring larvae abundance.Key words: herring, larvae, Clupea, Sarsia, Aequorea, predation, medusae