The Suitability of Four Algal Species as Food Source for Daphnia Pulex
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Authors
Rachmaninoff, Andre
Issue Date
1979
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The effects of four different algal species (Chlamydomonas reinhardi,
Cryptomonas ovata, Asterionella formosa, and Anabaena viriabilis) on the
Cladoceran Daphnia pulex. were studied on a comparative basis. Parameters
stressed were growth, survivorship, and fecundity. Filtration, ingestion,
and assimilation rates and assimilation efficiencies for Daphnia fed
these four algal species were calculated using radiotracer experiments
and were used as supportive data for the comparative life history study.
Daphnia fed Chlamydomonas exhibited the highest growth rate of all samples
and those fed Cryptomonas exhibited the highest reproductive rate. Animals
fed Asterionella also showed relatively high values for all parameters,
yet most were significantly smaller than animals fed Chlamydomonas or
Cryptomonas. Animals fed Anabaena never reached reproductive maturity,
died at an early age, and never reached a length comparable to Daphnia fed
the other algal species. Filtration rates were relatively high for all
four species of algae, and in general dropped off as algal concentration
increased. The highest filtration and assimilation rates were found with
Daphnia fed Asterionella and the highest assimilation efficiencies were
found with animals fed Asterionella and those fed Cryptomonas. The lowest
values for assimilation efficiencies were exhibited by animals fed
Anabaena. It was concluded that Chlamydomonas and Cryptomonas were the
best food sources, followed respectively by Asterionella and Anabaena,
Anabaena having almost no nutritional value for Daphnia.
Description
iv, 30 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
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