September

Sea surface temperatures between 11°C. and 13°C. are recorded in this month. The average volume of plankton is about l00cc, and over one-third of this volume is made up of Copepoda and crustacean larvae. Obelia geniculata medusae are still very abundant and Pleurobrachia pileus is common, but these species do not occur in the vast numbers characterising the winter months. Large numbers of fish eggs and larvae are usually present. In September larval Crustacea reach a maximum which is sustained through to late January. Stomatopod larvae are common and cirripede nauplii and metanauplii occur in abundance. Larval decapod Crustacea are very numerous and 44 species occur. Of these Callianassa filholi dominates all samples and may be very abundant. Other species are well represented. Jasus edwardsi Phyllosoma larvae occur in September only.