Search results for "Chirocephalus diaphanus"

Can large branchiopods shape microcrustacean communities in Mediterranean temporary wetlands?

2011

It was recently suggested that large branchiopods may play a keystone role in temporary aquatic habitats. Using a microcosm experiment manipulating microcrustacean communities of Mediterranean temporary wetlands (Camargue, Southern France), we tested the following hypotheses: (i) large branchiopods (the notostracan Triops cancriformis and the anostracan Chirocephalus diaphanus) can limit microcrustacean densities through both competition and predation; (ii) notostracans create high suspended-matter concentrations through bioturbation, which can negatively impact microcrustaceans; and (iii) the outcome of these biotic interactions is more detrimental at high salinities. We found a strong pr…