Embryonic development time of the freshwater mysid Limnomysis benedeni Czerniavsky as a function of water temperature

Abstract

The numbers of alien species in freshwater systems and their detrimental impacts on the stability of ecosystems and global species diversity are increasing. To predict and assess such impacts, a thorough knowledge of the autecology and life cycle of the alien species is required. Limnomysis benedeni is common and one of the most invasive mysids in Europe. Here we show a clear dependency of the development time of the brood of L. benedeni on water temperature. In laboratory experiments (one in spring 2008 and two in 2009, in spring and summer) under controlled conditions, we determined embryonic development times and the probability of survival of the females and juveniles at water temperatures ranging from 4 to 25_C. At 6.5 and 25_C, the probability of survival of both the females and the larvae was lower than at 10, 15, or 20_C. Since the development time is one of the key characteristics of the life cycle and is therefore necessary to calculate, for example, birth and mortality rates, we determined an equation for the development time as a function of the water temperature. This information will be useful to understand the distribution potential of this invasive species.