Water fleas

Code OG069999

MACROTHRICIDAE: A family of the Cladocera (water fleas). Hemispherical cladocerans with the head blunt (not with a long, pointed rostrum), but not reduced. Carapace without a posteroventral spine. Antennae prominent, not hidden. The postabdomen is distinctive, having no spines or long setae behind the terminal claw. Shiel (1995) keys the four genera from Australian inland waters.

References:

Korovchinsky, N.M. (1992) The Sidiidae and Holopediidae (Crustacea: Daphniiformes). Guides to the Identification of the Microinvertebrates of the Continental Waters of the World. 3: 1-82. SPB Academic Publishers, The Hague.

Shiel, R.J. (1995) A Guide to Identification of Rotifers, Cladocerans and Copepods from Australian Inland Waters. Co-operative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology Identification Guide No. 3., Albury, NSW.

Smirnov, N.N. and Timms, B.V. (1983) Revision of the Australian Cladocera (Crustacea). Records of the Australian Museum Supplement 1: 1-132.