PECULIARITIES OF DISTRIBUTION OF CARIDEAN SHRIMP LARVAE (DECAPODA, CARIDEA) IN EASTERN PART OF THE SEA OF OKHOTSK

Species composition and long-term distribution of shrimp meroplankton in eastern part of Okhotsk Sea are described. Interannual and seasonal variability of qualitative and quantitative composition of shrimp meroplankton is discussed. Average abundance of larvae per station in different areas in spring varied within 1–77.5 ind./m2, in first half of summer – 13.1–133 ind./m2, in September – 1–27 ind./m2. Larvae of genera Pandalus and Eualus were most abundant in April. In summer larvae of family Crangonidae dominated above shallow waters, and Pandalidae dominated above bottom deeper than 100 m. Maximum abundance (1410 ind./m2) was observed in July. Most of larvae develop in upper layer of pelagic zone. In spring larvae were found above bottom depths more than 300 m. In first half of summer main concentrations were above outer and middle shelf, in second half of summer – above inner shelf. Late stages inhabit above bottom depths no more than 40 m.