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Demography of a population of Moina micrura kurz (Crustacea: Cladocera) in a temporary pond, peninsula of paraguaná, Venezuela

Abstract:

A population of M. micrura Kurz from a shallow, muddy and temporary pond, located in Peninsula of Paraguaná, western Venezuela, was studied from filling to drying phase. Population density, age structure, fecundity, and length of females, were determined. This population showed a low population density (< 50 ind/1), a low and density‐dependent fecundity (mean eggs/adults = 1.3; mean clutch size = 2.1 eggs + embryos), and low juveniles to adults ratio (0.71). No significant correlation was detected between mean clutch size and mean body length of ovigerous females. Our results suggest effects of food limitations, and fish predation on demographic parameters of this population. Still, in unfavourable conditions, some demographics features associated to opportunistic species were evident.