The effect of calcium concentration on the calcification of Daphnia magna

Soft waters are characterized by low Ca concentrations, and the distribution and relative success of Ca‐demanding invertebrates could be limited by low Ca in extreme softwater localities. A further Ca depletion caused by reversed acidification could thus seriously affect freshwater crustaceans. Experimental studies on the calcification and Ca content of Daphnia magna clearly suggested the potential of a Ca limitation. Saturated calcification was reached at Ca concentrations >0.13 mM. Individuals reared in media with lower Ca concentrations were unable to compensate by increasing the period of postmolt Ca uptake and thus had a lower specific Ca content. Specific Ca content decreased from 4.2% to 1% of dry weight over the range 0.25–0.013 mM Ca. Even at the low Ca concentrations, only 10% of total Ca was reclaimed upon molting, the rest was lost with the old exuviae (∼40%) or to the ambient medium (∼50%). This incomplete calcification under low ambient Ca concentrations could represent a competitive drawback in Ca‐poor waters.