Ecological and Physiological Characteristics of the Ctenophore Beroe ovata in the Coastal Waters of the Black Sea: Abundance, Biomass, Size Distribution, Behavior, Feeding, and Metabolism

摘要

Basic ecological and physiological characteristics of the new invader to the Black Sea-ctenophore Berone ovata are examined. The studies were carried out in September-October 1999 in Golubaya Bay and adjacenet waters (northeastern part of the Black Sea off Gelendzhik). Abundance, biomass, and size structure of the populations of B. ovata and also its potential prey Mnemiopsis leidyi were identified with the use of diving methods. Dry to wet weight ratios and carbon contents in the ctenophores' bodies were measured. Parameters of oxygen exchange and quantitative regularities of the Beroe feeding were studied. Observations on the feeding behavior of the ctenophores in the sea and laboratory were carried out using an underwater video camera. Data on the biology and interaction of the invaders B. ovata and M. leidyi were analyzed. Preliminary estimates of the probable impact of the newcomer on the M.leidyi population were made.