Structure of Daphnia (With Diagram) | Zoology

In this article we will discuss about the structure of daphnia with the help of diagram.

Fig. 144 DAPHNIA

1. It is the slide of Daphnia.

2. It is commonly known as “red water flea” and is a cosmopolitan freshwater branchiopod found in ponds and ditches near bottom.

3. It is a minute branchiopod measuring about 2 mm. in length.

4. The body is laterally compressed & s enclosed in a carapace which is transparent and made up of two valves (Bivalve) and is projected behind into a caudal spine. The head is distinct in front of carapace.

5. Segmentation incomplete and reduced.

6. The round head is bent downwards and is produced into a beak-like rostrum.

7. The head bears a paired, jointed antennae which are used for swimming jerkily.

8. The eyes are sessile and paired in young but fused into one median in adult.

9. The 4-6 pairs of leaf-like trunk appendages are present on 4-6 trunk segments.

10. Abdomen is greatly reduced and is without segmentation and appendages.

11. Sexes are separate.

12. There is present a large brood pouch in female, which carries eggs and embryos.