Data presented are mean biomass values of samples of Aequiyoldia eightsii larvae collected between June and September 1990 using a 100 micron plankton net deployed from a small inflatable boat from Factory Cove, Signy Island, South Orkney Islands. Samples were returned to the laboratory and larvae removed from bulk samples by eye using a Wild M5 field microscope. Numbers in samples were between 8 and 40, but predominantly 15 or 20. Sampling, sorting and later processing was conducted by Jeremy Colman. The data were used to evaluate the development rate and duration of the pelagic larval phase of this sediment dwelling Antarctic bivalve mollusc. Data analyses were conducted in MINITAB.

Funding source: The work was fully supported by core funds to the British Antarctic Survey from the Natural Environment Research council, UK