Warren, G.J. (1985). Predaceous feeding habits of Limnocalanus macrurus. Journal of Plankton Research. 7(4):537-552, figs. 1-10.

119757

Warren, G.J.

1985

7(4):537-552, figs. 1-10.

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Limnocalanus macrurus, a large, glacial-relict copepod, has been assumed an omnivore or a herbivore; predaceous habits of the species are unknown. The predaceous feeding habits of Limnocalanus from Lake Michigan were studied in the laboratory using natural prey. Predation rates were highest on copepod nauplii. Copepodites of Diapwmus spp. and Cyclops spp. were preyed upon at lower rates. Limnocalanus preyed selectively upon nauplii <300 /un. Small cyclopoid copepodites (< -750 jim) were also selected over large copepodites. Experiments using two prey types showed that nauplii were selected over all copepodites, and that no selectivity existed for either diaptomid or cyclopoid copepodites. Predaceous feeding habits began in the fourth copepodite stage of Limnocalanus. Predaceous feeding rates of Limnocalanus changed seasonally being highest in late spring and autumn and lowest in summer and early winter. Since Limnocalanus also feeds on net-phytoplankton, predation rate changes may be related to changes in the relative abundance of large phytoplankton and naupliar prey in nature. Limnocalanus predation may be an important factor in structuring the zooplankton community.

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