Taxa selective feeding on zooplankton crustaceans by the freshwater predator Leptodora kindtii.

Abstract

In freshwater lakes, predation can play an important role in maintaining an equilibrium between populations of varying trophic levels. By selectively feeding on a small number of taxa, predators help keep the populations of these prey from surpassing their carrying capacity. Leptodora kindtii is an important invertebrate predator in freshwater lakes. The possible feeding selectivity of Leptodora kindtii was tested using commonly occurring herbivorous zooplankton as prey. After a 12 hour period of starvation in a growth chamber set at 18 C, Leptodora was fed a 1 ml condensed sample of zooplankton. Leptodora ate signficantly more Bosmina, Diaphanosoma, and Daphnia compared to other types of zooplankton prey. These results suggest that Leptodora is selective in its feeding habits. By selectively preying upon Bosmina, Diaphanosoma, and Daphnia, Leptodora may be able to help stabilize the populations of these zooplankton.