Habitat
The Daphnia pulex is a free-living aquatic organism
which lives in freshwater environments.
In fact, it is the most
common water flea and can be found in almost every permanent,
nutrient-rich fresh body of water surrounded by numerous other
freshwater
organisms and
plants. The highest concentrations of
Daphnia are found in the vegetation of most lakes and ponds.
Although the Daphnia genus can be found in basically
any freshwater body of water, D. pulex specifically
resides to temporary and permanent ponds, small lakes, and even
rock pools. The organism occupies deeper water during the day,
rising at night.
Daphnia pulex is
too small and weak to live in a body of water with strong
current. They have to be able to stay suspended by using their
legs and antennae so they usually live in a water column.
They will often move up and down this column at certain
times of the day due to predators or during certain seasons to
adapt to the different conditions.
Genus Daphnia
occupies habitats all around the world excluding some extreme
conditions such as hot springs. More
specifically, Daphnia pulex is
usually found in North and South American, Europe, and
Australia.
D. pulex is the most common species of Daphnia. They play a very
important role in the food web by maintaining levels of algae
and bacteria and also providing a food source for many
fish.
Daphnia pulex share their habitat with many other
aquatic
animalia, fungi,
bacteria, and protists as long as it is in fresh water.
Learn about adaptations.
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