Resumen

VILLALOBOS , Mariela J  y  GONZALEZ, Ernesto J. Studies on the biology and ecology of Ceriodaphnia cornuta Sars: A review. INCI [online]. 2006, vol.31, n.5, pp.351-357. ISSN 0378-1844.

Ceriodaphnia cornuta Sars is one out of three most abundant cladocerans in tropical freshwaters, and the only one belonging to the Daphniidae family. This crustacean can tolerate low concentrations of dissolved oxygen and high temperature variations, two features that allow it to be widely distributed in the tropical freshwaters. Concerning feeding habits, C. cornuta prefers diatoms and green algae. This cladoceran maintains high growth rates under good-quality food conditions as well as in low-quality ones, consuming, in the last case, blue green algae. C. cornuta shows a short embryonary development, high growing rates of juveniles and early sexual maturity; it has low fecundity and high longevity. Predation by fish and Chaoborus sp. is an interspecific interaction that has inspired very extensive studies about this crustacean. These studies have shown important effects of predation on its abundance and distribution in freshwaters. C. cornuta may show a series of defense mechanisms as a response to predators, among which polymorphism, changes in some life-history parameters and vertical migration are well documented. All of these aspects justify the importance of C. cornuta as a key organism to obtain a better understanding of dynamics and energy transfer in tropical freshwaters.

Palabras clave : Ambiente ; Ceriodaphnia cornuta ; Cladóceros ; Limnología .