Water flea (Daphnia)
Scientific Name: Daphnia species.
Group: Crustacea
Size:1mm

Daphnia are often called water fleas but they are not really fleas at all ! They are found in huge numbers in the lakes. There are several species in our lakes - this one is most commonly seen in spring. Daphnia give birth to live young, but the eggs are incubated in a brood pouch. Daphnia are herbivores, they eat small green algae and are eaten by carnivores such as the Phantom Midge Larva.

Food chain
Position in the food chain:
Primary consumer (herbivore)
They eat
algae
They are eaten by
water mites, Phantom Midge Larvae

Life cycle
Can you see the brood pouch inside the back of the Daphnia? This is where the baby Daphnia grow. Daphnia are only 1mm long! You can have a closer look at the brood pouch here.

On the right is a closer view of the
daphnia's head. Pictures like
this are taken using a
microscope

Find out more about Daphnia

Canterbury Environmental Education Centre