Feeding of Mesocyclops leuckarti on Moina and Diaphanosoma

Feeding of Mesocyclops leuckarti on Moina and Diaphanosoma was studied by feeding experiments and field investigations in Lake Donghu during June-September of 1995.The results showed M.leuckarti could capture and eat Moina and Diaphanosoma.Mean feeding rates of M.leuckarti on small-sized(200-257 μm)Moina was higher than that of large-sized(357-500 μm)Moina.The results of multiple range analysis(Method:95% Least Significant Difference)for feeding rates of small-sized and large-sized Moina by Mesocyclops revealed a statistically significant difference (P=0.0335).Predators prefer small to large prey.Because of feeding habits,M.leuckarti may have an important impact on the population dynamics of Moina and Diaphanosoma,but with increase of fish yield,the effect of feeding of M.leuckarti on prey may be underestimated.