On the biology of some bottom-living gopepods (aetideidae and phaennidae) from western Norway

Abstract

Abstract The developmental stages of Chiridius armatus are described and compared with the copepodite stages of Bradyidius bradyi and briefly with the naupliar stages of Aetideus armatus. The annual cycle is recorded for the two first-named species. The adult male of Comantenna (= Bryaxis) brevicornis is described for the first time. The copepodite development of Xanthocalanus faliax is described and an account given of the annual cycle. The adult male of X. minor is redescribed and comparisons made between these two species. Consideration is given to the differences between the development and annual cycles here described and those of planktonic calanoids as possible indications of adaptation to a benthic existence. Where necessary, nomenclature has been revised.