Biology and ecology of Norway pout ( Trisopterus esmarki Nilsson, 1855) in the Norwegian Deep

Abstract

Between 1985 and 1987 Norway pout was widely distributed at moderate depths in the Norwegian Deep, generally 5-10 m above the sea bed, but somewhat closer by day. The bathymetric distribution was progressively deeper with increasing age; within an age-group, larger individuals were distributed deeper than smaller ones. There were relatively small geographical and seasonal differences in abundance, except that the abundance tended to increase from south-east to north-west, especially for the mature part of the population in the spawning season. Close to 100% matured for the first time as II-group. The diet was highly dominated by euphausiids and the feeding was more intense at night than during the day.

Author notes

Present address: Norwegian Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ltd., P.O. Box 2511, N-9002 Tromso, Norway