Which Daphnia species?

[jewett]

Hello all,
I am sorry if this has been covered some place else in the forum but my quick search did not produce the answer to my question, which is: What species of Daphnia is the most appropriate in size for larval Cynops sp as well as larval Mesotriton alpestris? I know that a healthy culture of any of the Daphnia would have a variety of sizes because of a mixed population of adults and juveniles, but I wanted you fellow forum members opinion before I purchase. Or would you all just focus on the ease of culturing versus the size of the Daphnia - I have read that D. pulex are hardier than magna. Several years ago I had a culture going for several months (I let the culture fizzle once my newt larva switched to larger food items) but I do not recall what kind they were. So thanks for your input,
Heather

 

[RobM]

D.pulex and D.magna are the most commonly available species of Daphnia.
D.pulex tends to be able to survive and breed in lower temperatures than D.magna that is probably why you have heard they are hardier. D.pulex would probably be your preferred species regardless of temperature though, as they are smaller in size, which would be preferable for freshly hatched Cynops.
The culturing methods for both pulex and magna are almost identical, so realistically they should be virtually equal in maintenance.

 

[jewett]

Thanks Rob, just the info I was looking for.

Heather