Anatomy: Ceriodaphnia has six pairs of lobed legs which bear numerous hairs.
Their head is bent downwards and is set from the body by a cervical sinus. The
head also has two large secondary antennas that are positioned laterally near
the posterior margin. (Pennak, 1989) The Ceriodaphnia’s mouth is located near
the junction of the head and body. The Ceriodaphnia’s body is covered by a
carapace which allows protrusion of only the head and abdomen. One of the
Ceriodaphnia’s most noticeable features is its large compound eye.
Reproduction: The Ceriodaphnia reproduces parthenogenetically, which means the
Ceriodaphnia can reproduce without fertilization of the egg. The egg undergoes a
single maturation division in the ovary and a number are released at a time by
the oviducts. (Pennak, 1989) Usually 10-20 eggs are released. Ecological Niche:
Ceriodaphnia are very diverse as they can live in either oxygen rich or oxygen
poor environments due to their ability to synthesize hemoglobin. Ceriodaphnia
live in all regions of lakes and ponds whether it is on the surface or near the
bottom soil. Ceriodaphnia serves as the main food source for the Hydra in an
ecosystem. Notes of Interest: Ceriodaphnia feed on green algae. They also have
thoracic appendages that are modified phyllopodia that has bristles for food
collecting and respiratory functions. (Prescott, 1978)