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The Biology Classics: Daphnia - Swimming, Feeding and Breathing |
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Written By Eric Russell
Daphnia
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| Daphnia swims with a jerky motion through the water as the powerful 2nd antannae are thrust downward. The stroking action moves the animal toward the surface. Then it pauses for a short while before the next stroke, falling toward the bottom of the pond. This is when it breathes and captures food. Five pairs of legs inside the body covering (it is open in the front) are used to capture tiny microscopic food. They are finely-branched, and they also aide in breathing as the animal collects oxygen from the water. |
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