Seasonal Variations in Distribution, Population Structure and Prosome Length of Calanus sinicus (Copepoda: Calanoida) in the Southern Waters of Korea

Variations in abundance, size and population structure of Calanus sinicus were studied in the southern waters of Korea in connection with hydrographic conditions during 1991-1992. Abundance was high in April and low in August. This species was concentrated inshore of a coastal temperature front, or around the temperature front in April. The 1st-3rd copepodites dominated in February and April, and adults in August. The mean population stages in February and April were younger than those in other survey months. This suggests that this species mainly reproduced during winter-early spring. In prosome length, the 1st-4th copepodites were larger in April than in other survey months, and the 5th copepodite and adult were the largest in February. Mean prosome length of C. sinicus showed weak inverse relationship with sea water temperature, but it was not statistically evidenced.