General

Abstract

Some Cladocera species are dominant in the aquatic fauna. Some species are confined to narrow ecological niches, potentially as a result of their physiological adaptations. Specific studies require the precise identification of the species investigated. For this purpose, the keys to global faunas now available for most groups of Cladocera are indicated. The external and internal body structure is briefly described and size and weight characteristics are listed. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.