1. Species online
  2. Small crustaceans in fresh waters
  3. Cladocera
  4. Macrothricidae Norman & Brady, 1867
  5. Acantholeberis

Acantholeberis curvirostris O.F.M.

Forrige Opp Neste

Acantholeberis curvirostris is a littoral macrofiltrator found in all parts of the country being most common in humic lakes. Since it is very acid tolerant, it is used as an indicator of acidic water.

Key characteristics

Bruntvannskreps.
| G.O. Sars

Acantholeberis curvirostris (female)

Because of its characteristic look, Acantholeberis curvirostris is easy to separate from all other species. Its head, which constitutes about one third of the entire animal, is dorsally curved and ends up in a pointed tip. Here, the long and spectacular antennae bend backward towards the carapace which is about as high as it is long. Parts of the postabdomen is seen outside carapace. The abdominal claw is relatively short and has a row of small denticles. There are two strong spinules close to the base. While young individuals has a bright grey greenish colour, adults are dark green, often with a tinge of yellow brownish colour.

Female: Length 0.9–2.0 mm

Male: Length 0.6–1.2 mm

Ecology and distribution

A. curvirostris is a littoral macrofiltrator found in 16 % of the localities. Since it occurs with highest frequency in acid water, it is used as an indicator of acid water. When pH<5.0 it occurs in more than half of the localities. Most of these are situated between 300 and 1000 m. a.s.l. It is most common in ponds and small lakes, often with a high content of humus.