817.
Swarms of the pardaliscid amphipod
Halice hesmonectes were sampled at low-temperature hydrothermal vents in the Venture Hydrothermal Fields of the East Pacific Rise. In excess
of 3000 individuals were collected from a range of sites/habitats, and at two points in time (December 1991 and March 1994).
The structure of swarms was described in terms of growth stages, the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics
and the accumulation of nutritional reserves. The results demonstrated that swarms contained a wide range of growth stages,
but that small juveniles and mature males and females were absent. Swarm structure was interpreted as an equilibrium dependent
on the relative proportion of time spent by each growth stage in the swarm habitat. This equilibrium swarm structure was very
similar at different sites and times. Swarms dominated by small juveniles occurred at the northern sites in December 1991
following a period of eruption and new venting in April 1991. Equilibrium swarm structure had become re-established at these
sites by March 1994. The function of swarming was considered. The results indicated that swarming was not associated with
reproductive activity. The available evidence, though not conclusive, suggested that swarms were associated with feeding.
Received: 28 May 1999 / Accepted: 16 February 2000
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