Experimental Demonstration of the Effects of Clam Shrimp on Turbidity of Microcosms

Abstract The conchostracans (Crustacea: Class Branchiopoda, Orders Laevicaudata and Spinicaudata), commonly called clam shrimp, are inhabitants of temporary wetlands and are well adapted to surviving dry periods. Clam shrimp eggs are highly resistant to freezing, drying, sunlight, and mechanical injury. Reports have indicated that clam shrimp increase turbidity in fish culture ponds and negatively affect fish production The effect of the clam shrimp Caenestheriella belfragei on turbidity was studied by examining the turbidity of laboratory containers with 0–4,848 clam shrimp/m2. Turbidity increased in direct proportion to clam shrimp density at all densities greater than 606 clam shrimp/m2.