Primary Assay — Water Flea
Predator-Induced Defenses
Daphnia magna
Kairomones from predatory fish or invertebrates induce morphological defenses (helmets, neck-teeth) and altered swimming. Defense expression and swim depth quantify induced phenotypes.
Quantitative Output
Measured Parameters
Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Daphnia magna.
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet/neck-teeth size | µm | Morphological defense |
| Mean swim depth | cm | Vertical avoidance |
| Swim speed | mm/s | Activity change |
| Defense induction time | h | Onset after kairomone |
References
Citations for Predator-Induced Defenses
- Tollrian R. (1995). Predator-induced morphological defenses: costs, life history shifts, and maternal effects in Daphnia pulex. Ecology, 76(6), 1691-1705.
Compatible Equipment
Hardware for Water Flea Research
Glass Column Phototaxis Chamber
Vertical phototactic assay
Multi-Well Behavioral Imaging Plate
High-throughput toxicology
Heart-Rate Imaging Microscope
Cardiotoxicity
Predator-Cue Exposure Chamber
Inducible defense induction
Acute Immobilization Test Plate
OECD 202 endpoint
Related Assays
Other Water Flea Primary Assays
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Phototaxis
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Swimming Activity
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Acute Immobilization (OECD 202)
Daphnia magna
The 24-/48-h immobilization assay is the standard endpoint for chemical toxicity testing in aquatic ecotoxicology. Media…
Run Predator-Induced Defenses on ConductVision
Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your water flea facility.
