Po. Johansen et T. Brattegard, OBSERVATIONS ON BEHAVIOR AND DISTRIBUTION OF NATATOLANA-BOREALIS (LILLJEBORG) (CRUSTACEA, ISOPODA), Sarsia, 83(4), 1998, pp. 347-360
Natatolana borealis were collected with baited traps at two localities
near Bergen, Norway in 1977-78 and 1991-96, and faunistic surveys car
ried out with grab, detritus sledge and epibenthic sampler in Norwegia
n waters, including the northern Norwegian Trough, from 1981 to presen
t, and in Faroese waters in the years 1987-90. Catches of N. borealis
by epibenthic sledge in the Norwegian Trough were significantly larger
at night than in daylight. Laboratory observations and trap experimen
ts indicate that feeding activity is regulated by in situ illumination
and degree of hunger. The species appears to be an opportunistic omni
vore scavenger and might use a combination of 'sit and wait' and 'swim
across the current' foraging strategies. The content of the anterior
hindgut averaged 42 % of the total body dry weight after unlimited acc
ess to food for 24 h. A full gut enabled survival without further feed
ing for > 6 months. The assimilation efficiency of N. borealis feeding
on fish flesh was estimated to be > 90 %. Recent records of N. boreal
is indicate a northern distribution limit at ca 70 degrees N on the co
ast of Norway. At the Faroe Islands it was only found in water-masses
dominated by Atlantic Water and not in water-masses dominated by the c
older Arctic Intermediate Water or the cold Norwegian Sea Bottom Water
. The usual temperature range of waters inhabited by N. borealis in th
e East Atlantic is about 5-14 degrees C. It occurs in a wide range of
sediments (from gravelly sand to fine silty clay) into which it burrow
s.