The production of Cyprideis torosa Jones 1850 (Crustacea, Ostracoda)

1432-1939

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Biology

Summary The ostracod Cyprideis torosa Jones, 1850 is a dominant species in the meiofauna of brackish water habitats. Its production in the field over a five-year period has been calculated using two production models. The first model uses the age-distribution of shells preserved in the sediment to assess the stage-specific mortality rates and the stage durations. The second model is the size-frequency model, modified for use with developmental stages instead of size-classes. Productions calculated with both methods agree very well. Their values are 9.7 and 9.2 g dwt·m−2·y−1 respectively. The yearly P/B-ratio is 2.7 or 2.6 y−1, production efficiency P/A is 0.38 or 0.37. The production efficiency of Cyprideis torosa nearly equals the mean efficiency of non-insect invertebrate detritivores. The species' conservative strategy and long generation time enables it to maintain a relatively high biomass with a fixed amount of food. These characteristics make it a superior competitor.

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