DOI: 10.2478/cjf-2025-0003
Original scientific paper
COMPARISON OF REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF Daphnia magna Straus IN DIFFERENT CULTURING WATERS
2025, 83 (1) p. 15-20
Abstract
In laboratory cultures D. magna is very sensitive to environmental conditions which include temperature, water chemical composition, pH, illumination, food quality and quantity and population density. Unfavourable conditions affect reproductive performance and survival. Here was compared the reproductive success of D. magna in some of the waters recommended in toxicity tests guidelines and literature for cultivation. Compared were four waters: two natural waters (dechlorinated tap water and an unpolluted surface water) and two synthetic waters: ISO dilution water and MS media, ten D. magna individuals in each water. The best reproductive results in respect with cumulative number of neonates and brood size were obtained in MS water (p<0.005) which contained vitamins, macro-nutrients and trace elements. ISO dilution water and tap water showed similar reproductive results (no significant differences). All three waters fulfilled the OECD guidelines validity criterion of a mean ≥60 living offspring per parent and ≤20% mortality in 21 days. The poorest results were achieved in surface water probably due to unfavourable water chemical composition and high conductivity. This study confirmed that the chemical composition of the cultivation water has a pronounced effect on D. magna reproductive potential.
Keywords
Daphnia laboratory culture, Reproduction, Environmental conditions