The life history of Branchinecta mackini Dexter (Crustacea: Anostraca) in an argillotrophic lake of Alberta

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Abstract
The life history of B. mackini was studied in a large argillotrophic lake in Alberta, Canada. Hatching began immediately after spring thaw and was terminated by rising salinity 10 days to 2 wk later. Growth rates reached maxima of 1 mm/day at 4 wk of age and then declined as mean size approached 22-23 mm at 7-8 wk. Clutch sizes varied as a function of female length. Maximum biomass of 580 mg dry wt/m2 (2700 cal/m2) was reached in late May, of which 3.9%/day was consumed by B. gigas. Source of the energy is presumed to be a bacteria-organic matter complex associated with suspended particles. Life cycle details are compared with other fairy shrimp species and the role of B. mackini in the community is discussed.