An examination of lipid reserves and the nutritional status of Daphnia pulex fed Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae1

The usefulness of the lipid index to determine the nutritional adequacy of Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae for Daphnia pulex was assessed. Lipid reserves, growth, survival, and reproduction of animals fed A. flos‐aquae and other foods were monitored. Lipid reserves were a good indication of the nutritional state of animals fed the different diets and were totally depleted in those fed A. flos‐aquae or not fed. Growth, survival, and reproductive success paralleled the magnitude of the lipid index. Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae was not toxic but was inadequate by itself to sustain D. pulex.