Dynamics of prey selection by an omnivorous flagellate

Abstract

The heterotrophic flagellate Paraphysomonas imperforata, a raptorial grazer, sustained maximum specific growth rates of ca 1.5 d-' at 20C when fed 3 phytoplankton species of different sizes and shapes (the relatively small diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and haptophyte Isochrysis galbana, and the larger chlorophyte Dunaliella tertiolecta), either singularly or in combinations of 2 species.