Retention of vertically migrating suprabenthic mysids in fjords

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Abstract
Horizontal and vertical pelagic distribution patterns at night of the vertically migrating suprabenthic mysids Boreomysis megalops, Lophogaster typicus, Leptomysis gracilis and Schistomysis ornata were studied in Masfjorden, western Norway. Horizontal distributions were highly patchy, and reflected known localities of daytime bottom habitats. Little evidence of horizontal dispersal was found in spite of extensive upward migration at night (> 100 m away from bottom). Fjords seem to offer suitable habitats for vertically migrating mysids through relative low advective forcing, thereby facilitating population maintenance within a locality. However, current data indicate that population maintenance is not possible if mysids drift passively during the pelagic phase. It is suggested that dispersal is reduced by mysid behaviour.