The spring-time abundance and feeding ofEurytemora affinis (Poppe) in Volkerak-Zoommeer, a newly-created freshwater lake system in the Rhine delta (The Netherlands)

Abstract

Eurytemora affinis, a calanoid copepod, has been encountered in Volkerak-Zoommeer (Rhine delta region, S.W. Netherlands) both before this lake system was isolated in 1987 from the estuarine influence, and after. It was the main particle-feeding crustacean at all the 3 sampling stations in March–April 1990 when it reached densities of up to 215 ind.l−1. Its decline from mid April onwards, and low densities through summer, coincided with increase in cladocerans, especiallyDaphnia spp. (D. pulex andD. galeata), a decrease in seston (<33μm) and chlorophyll concentrations and in primary production rates. The clearance rates (CR) ofEurytemora measured in the spring period varied enormously (0.6–24 ml.ind−1.d−1) depending mainly on size (0.44–1.06 mm), food concentration (0.8–2.2 mg C.l−1), and the water temperature which varied only narrowly (8.0–9.0°C). Mean ingestion rates of the animals measuring 0.68±0.02 mm during the study was 6.7±3.2 μgC.ind−1.d−1; and assimilation efficiency varied between 27 and 53% (mean: 41±9%). The weight specific CR (SCR) varied between 0.96 and 6.4 litre.mg−1 body C.d−1. Pooled regression of SCR on the animal's body weight at the 3 study stations revealed a significant inverse relationship. Also daily ration and specific assimilation ofE. affinis varied greatly and inversely with the body weight. This calanoid contributed from about 50 to 100% to the zooplankton community grazing rates and assimilation rates, the former often exceeding the phytoplankton primary production.