Culture techniques for studies on the growth, development and reproduction of copepods and cladocerans under laboratory and in situ conditions: a review

SUMMARY. This review deals with culture techniques in use to estimate individual growth, development and reproduction of copepods and cladocerans in cultures. The conceptual aspects of growth, reproduction and feeding behaviour are briefly summarized. Marine copepods are included, because the techniques employed for the cultivation of these animals are often more advanced than those used for freshwater crustaceans. Most of the studies reviewed here were carried out under defined laboratory conditions, but a few were under field conditions, generally in small in situ enclosures. The culture methods described in this review are based on 272 studies published between 1910 and 1987. A large number of different culture systems are critically discussed in relation to culture conditions and culture techniques and the taxa used. Particular attention is given to the effect of food quality, and the problem of how to apply laboratory measurements to field populations so as to limit errors to the minimum. A more detailed summary is given in the section on ‘Recommendations’ at the end of the review.