Abstract
Feeding of the predatory cladoceran Leptodora kindtii was studied under laboratory conditions. Functional responses for two size classes of the predator to Rye prey taxa (Daphnia galeata, Diaphanosoma brachyurum, Ceriodaphnia pulchella, Bosmina coregoni and copepod nauplii) in five prey concentrations were determined and further analysed. Small juvenile Leptodora showed a Hollings' type I functional response in all five experiments, whereas large adult Leptodora showed in 3 out of 5 cases a Hollings' type II functional response. The possible significance of these differences is discussed. For all prey categories, the ratio of the basket length of Leptodora to the prey body length considerably influenced maximum predation rates. Prey taxa show different vulnerabilities for predation by Leptodora, hence, during periods of abundance this predator may have a significant structuring effect on the zooplankton community. [KEYWORDS: PREY SIZE, INVERTEBRATE PREDATORS, ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITY, NEUSIEDLER-SEE, LAKE, BYTHOTREPHES, SELECTION, DENSITY, AUSTRIA]
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