Maintenance of shredders in the laboratory

Abstract

Shredders are aquatic invertebrates whose mouth parts are adapted for feeding on large particles of organic matter such as decomposing leaves. Most shredders from temperate areas are insects (primarily Plecoptera, Tipulidae, Limnephilidae and other Trichoptera) and crustaceans (Amphipoda, Isopoda). Shredders can be grown and maintained in the laboratory if they are provided with adequate food and if the water is kept cool, pure, and well oxygenated. The latter two conditions are easy to achieve in an aquarium with a good filter and adequate aeration. Low temperature is more difficult to attain if expensive equipment such as temperature-controlled rooms or chambers, large cooled incubators or low-temperature aquaria are unavailable. Some species also need water flow to ensure high survivorship, which poses an additional constraint in the design of a maintenance system.