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Coexistence of the predatory cyclopoids Acanthocyclops robustus (Sars) and Mesocyclops leuckarti (Claus) in a small eutrophic lake

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Abstract

The coexistence of two common species of predatory cyclopoid copepods, Acanthocyclops robustus and Mesocyclops leuckarti, in a small, eutrophic lake was studied. Both species are of similar size, inhabit the same water layers and have similar seasonal occurrence. A. robustus shows faster embryonic and postembryonic development and produces bigger clutches. Ingestion rates of A. robustus are higher than in M. leuckarti, especially with large prey types and low temperatures. Females of A. robustus are heavily preyed upon by fish. This predation pressure leads to extremely skewed sex ratios, which are unfavourable to population growth. A. robustus is therefore, on balance, favoured in productive lakes. Dominance over M. leuckarti is, however, less clear in warmer years.

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  1. Department of Biology III, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg M25, 7900 Ulm/Do., Germany

    Gerhard Maier

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Maier, G. Coexistence of the predatory cyclopoids Acanthocyclops robustus (Sars) and Mesocyclops leuckarti (Claus) in a small eutrophic lake. Hydrobiologia 198, 185–203 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00048634

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