Daphnids respond to algae-associated odours

Abstract

Using a Y-tube olfactometer, it was found that Daphnia galeata × hyalina moves to the arm with odour from either of two edible algal species (Scenedesmus acuminatus and Oscillatoria limnetica) rather than to the alternative arm with clean water. However, no differential response was observed when odours of the toxic cyanobacterium (Oscillatoria agardhu) were tested. We suggest that odours associated with edible algae attract Daphnia whereas non-edible algae do not elicit attraction of Daphnia.