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Predatory and toxic effects of the turbellarian (Stenostomum cf leucops) on the population dynamics of Euchlanis dilatata, Plationus patulus (Rotifera) and Moina macrocopa (Cladocera)

  • ROTIFERA XII
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Abstract

Catenulid turbellarians, common in shallow, tropical ponds, affect their rotifer prey via the production of toxins. There is, however, no quantitative information on their effect on the demography of their prey. Here, we test the impact of Stenostomum cf leucops on the population dynamics of the rotifers Euchlanis dilatata and Plationus patulus, and the cladoceran Moina macrocopa. Experiments were initiated with rotifers at 0.5 ind. ml−1 and the cladoceran at 0.2 ind. ml−1; growth patterns were compared in the absence and presence of worms (2 Stenostomum ind. per 50 ml). Results revealed that brachionids were most adversely affected: there was a lower growth rate of the rotifers in the presence of worms (P < 0.01, repeated measures ANOVA), although at the densities applied, the predator did not wipe out its prey. These littoral predators may therefore regulate rotifer prey in natural conditions. In Moina, the population evolved differently; initially, we found no difference between control and treatment, but after about 10 days, the population collapsed, irrespective of a direct or indirect contact with the predator. This delayed effect deserves more study, as it could represent flatworm toxin accumulation by the cladoceran.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. J. Kolasa for identifying the flatworm. The first two authors thank National Autonomous University of Mexico (DGAPA–PASPA) for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratorio de Zoología Acuática, División de Investigación y Posgrado, Edificio UMF, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Iztacala, AP 314, CP 54090, Tlalnepantla, Estado de Mexico, Mexico

    S. Nandini & S. S. S. Sarma

  2. Department of Biology, University of Gent, Ledeganckstraat, 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Henri J. Dumont

Authors
  1. S. Nandini
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  2. S. S. S. Sarma
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  3. Henri J. Dumont
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Correspondence to S. Nandini.

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Guest editors: N. Walz, R. Adrian, J.J. Gilbert, M.T. Monaghan, G. Weithoff & H. Zimmermann-Timm / Rotifera XII: New aspects in rotifer evolution, genetics, reproduction, ecology and biogeography

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Nandini, S., Sarma, S.S.S. & Dumont, H.J. Predatory and toxic effects of the turbellarian (Stenostomum cf leucops) on the population dynamics of Euchlanis dilatata, Plationus patulus (Rotifera) and Moina macrocopa (Cladocera). Hydrobiologia 662, 171–177 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-010-0493-3

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