Filinia type rotifer from plankton net tow sample from Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, FL
Keratella cochlearis, a freshwater rotifer, from plankton net tow sample from Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, FL
Daphnia is a genius of small crustaceans that live in fresh water. Daphnia are important for food to fish and other aquatic organisms. They are also important in detecting changes in water chemistry because of their sensitivity.
Daphnia are transparent in color and have one compound eye and one eyespot. They also have two pairs of antennae: one for olfactory, and another for swimming. They also have "armor" for protection against predators. The "helmet" and tail spine usually arise when daphnia live in environments with predators.
This specimen was found in a sample from Proctor Lake, taken with a zooplankton net in an area where the depth was about 13 feet deep.
Clare, J. B.A., Ph.D. (2002) Daphnia: An Aquarist's Guide. Retrieved November 16, 2016 from http://www.caudata.org/daphnia
Visual Description:
This organism has a sac-like body and is able to convulse and contract as seen in one of the pictures. There is a ciliated opening at the anterior side of the organism which is called a corona. There is a large and dark mass near the posterior side. Filaments can be seen inside the organism. The organism itself is transparent.
Reference: http://people.cst.cmich.edu/mcnau1as/zooplankton%20web/Asplanchna/Asplanchna.htm
Habitat: This organism was found in a body of freshwater where the water was shaded. It was found specifically at Castor Beach at USF.
Known Geographic Distribution:
This organism can be found in most freshwater ecosystems throughout the world.