Notes on the Biology and Ecology of the Jellyfish Aurelia aurita Lam. in Elefsis Bay (Saronikos Gulf, Greece)

Abstract. The occurrence of pianktonic stages of the scyphomedusa Aurelia aurita LAM. in monthly samples, from May 1983 to July 1985, was studied in Elefsis Bay (Saronikos Gulf, Greece). Results showed that the medusae biomass had its maximum value during summer, followed by a sharp drop during fall and winter. The major peak for the ephyrae liberation was during January-February, when zooplankton biomass reached its maximum. The vertical distribution of A. aurita in relation to light intensity is discussed.