An attempt at a functional analysis of the distributional range of Euphausia superba

The literature on the distribution of different developmental stages of Euphausia superba is discussed. It is suggested that the reason why the mass concentrations of E. superba larvae are confined to the circulations of the Weddell Sea and the Eastern Drift is the high level of the upper boundary of dense bottom water which prevents the sinking of eggs to great depths. Outside these regions the hatched larvae seem unable to cover the great distance separating them from the upper water layers.