Interannual variation (2003-2008) of Calycophoran siphonophores in the Bay of Calvi (Corsica)

The interannual variation of the calycophoran siphonophores was investigated in the Bay of Calvi (Corsica) from 2003 to 2008. The dominant species, Chelophyes appendiculata, was present throughout the year, with a maximum of reproduction during the summer. Large variations of abundance occur from year to year. The study of the developmental stages along the year allows us to establish its life cycle, which seems to be correlated with the temperature and mesozooplancton abundance. The cycle takes place each year with a similar seasonal pattern throughout all the study. Other species as Abylopsis tetragona and Lensia sp., were also present in lower abundance.