The Inhibiting Action of Ostracods on Snail Cultures

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Abstract
Two species of ostracods, Cypridopsls vidua and Cypericercus retlculatus, accidentally brought into the laboratory with lake water, propagate rapidly and tend to prevent successful snail culture. The damage to snaisl by ostracods is caused by physical contact, which irritates the snails and causes them to withdraw into their shells. Inactivation of snails increases the opportunity for attack by ostracods. In addition, apertures of young snails are often partially or completely blocked by eggs of ostracods, which inhibit feeding and locomotion. Snail egg masses are also destroyed when the concentration of ostracods becomes high, or when there is insufficient food for them.

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