Abstract:
Paramoera walkeri is a common subtidal gammarid amphipod, occurring to depths slightly in excess of 15m. Work was completed over two seasons of sampling. In the first season, 4 samples were taken at fortnightly intervals, at depths of 3, 6 and 15m using an epibenthic sledge. Samples were counted to determine the comparative number of individuals at the various depths and to record variations over
... the season and to relate sea ice conditions and physical factors with population level. A community was maintained in the aquarium in order to observe swimming and feeding behaviour. Length frequency diagrams and length weight relationships for each sample date were taken to determine the size range, age groups and growth rates. A gut analysis of specimens from each sample was completed to complement the feeding behaviour observations. In the second and third season, epibenthic samples were taken at weekly intervals. The samples were hand sorted and specimens were measured for length and weight, head length, total length, antennal segment number, sex, morpholigcal studies of the various stages of growth, growth studies, gut analysis and epizoan studies. 60 live animals were isolated individually and length and weight measurements were made each week. Respiration experiments were conducted on groups of uniformly sized animals at various temperatures, light responses of different sized animals and notes on swimming and feeding behaviour were also taken. Samples of other amphipods and periphyton (food of Paramoera) were preserved. A complete sequence of animals from before they leave the brood pouch through to when they degenerate and die, and therefore a complete description of the structural and functional morphology of Paramoera walkeri, was completed. 
