This record is an overview entry for biological data collected on Soela cruise SO 8/87. This cruise took place in the east Indian Ocean during 4 November - 15 December 1987, under the leadership of Tim Davis and J. May. Biological data collected on this cruise include abundance and growth rate of southern bluefin tuna larvae from a total of 240 stations. Information on the vertical distribution of the tuna larvae in relation to the thermocline. Tuna larvae samples to study the relation between food availablity and abundance, diet and growth. Specimens for electrophoresis and 169 tuna larvae were identified and their pigment distribution mapped. One tuna was caught from light trap tests, the catches being mainly stomatopods (crustaceans) and myctophids (lanternfish). Please note: This metadata record is a preliminary entry derived from information in the cruise plan and/or cruise report. Individual data types - which may span several cruises - will be indexed separately within this metadata system in due course.