Life history characters and population dynamics of the boreal larvacean Oikopleura vanhoeffeni (Tunicata) in Conception Bay, Newfoundland

We examined the population dynamics and life history characters of the boreal larvacean Oikopleura vanhoeffeni in Conception Bay over two years and determined its role in secondary production. Based on the analysis of age structure inferred from statolith diameter, the generation time was approximately one year. Recruitment of new cohorts and maximum population growth rate occurred in the spring. Somatic growth rate was 0.017 d(-1) from the year 2001 10 2002 and 0.043 d(-1) from 2002 to 2003, with an acceleration in growth rate during April in response to the spring diatom bloom despite the coldest water temperatures. The annual production rate (i.e. somatic + house production) of 8.7g C m(-2) y(-1) in 2001/2, and 3.8 g C m(-2) y(-1) in 2002/3, represented 2.9-6.7% of primary production and 37-87% of estimated mesozooplankton production, suggesting that O. vanhoeffeni is a major secondary producer in Conception Bay. Individuals matured at seasonally variable body size throughout the year and potential fecundity peaked as the individuals matured at their largest body size during the spring bloom, most likely resulting in maximum egg production and population growth rates at that time of year. Thus, a seasonal pulse of food is a major driving force that regulates the variation in life history characters and population dynamics of the boreal O. vanhoeffeni.