The dry weight estimate of biomass in a selection of Cladocera, Copepoda and Rotifera from the plankton, periphyton and benthos of continental waters.

A procedure for determining dry weights has been standardized and applied to a number of Cladocera, Copepoda and Rotatoria. In most of the Cladocera, regression equations of the exponential type, relating dry weight to body length, were computed. In the Copepoda, one equation per suborder was computed, and suggestions for future refinements are made. In both groups, a fairly satisfactory agreement was found with literature data where these exist. In both groups, the egg and embryo weight proved to be considerable, relative to the weight of the adult female. In Rotatoria, 4 species could be dealt with in size-classes, and their weight increment per unit length was found to be lower than in the Cladocera and Copepoda. A large number of species were weighed as adults only. A conclusion applicable to the 3 groups is that, as a rule, limnetic species weigh relatively less than littoral, periphytic or benthic species. Even within a species, populations with a more pronounced limnetic way of life weigh less than populations of littoral nature.