Feeding ofAcanthocylops robustus on zooplankton

Feeding of freshwater cyclopoid copepodAcanthocyclops robustus on zooplankton was examined by a senes of feeding experiments during August–September of 1993. Study results showedA. robustus can capture and eat all type items provided from the Stary Haklovsky fishpond, a shallow eutrophic water body near Budějovice City, Czech Republic. Selection by the predator was determined largely by prey body-size and density, but was also affected by prey types. Variable but significant changes in feeding rates were found in various size distribution and concentration of prey types. Percentages of small (80–235μm) and large (445–610μm) prey consumed were 42.47 and 3.85%, respectively. Starvation did not cause statistically significant difference. The feeding onCeriodaphnia quadrangula showed significant difference between large and small prey. Feeding rate increased with increasing prey concentration.