Behaviour and food selection of Heterocypris incongruens (Ostracoda)

Abstract

In this work, the ostracod Heterocypris incongruens (Ramdohr, 1808) was used to analyse three of its behavioural activities (feeding, swimming and resting) and its food preference. The majority of the individuals spent their time swimming. However, towards the end of the experiment, the number of individuals found feeding increased. The overall time spent feeding throughout the experiment was significantly longer than the time spent swimming and resting. Spinach was the most frequently used food, followed by mosquito larvae, Cyclops (plankton mix) and Spirulina mix. The retention time spent in the compartment containing spinach was also significantly longer than the time spent on all other items.