Canadian Crustacean Zooplankton Identification
LEB Aquatic provides specialized crustacean zooplankton taxonomic services for freshwater samples, following the high-quality standards and protocols established by Ontario's Ministry of Environment (MOE) Dorset Environmental Science Centre (Dorset Protocol pg. 74-77).
Our Core Services
Dorset Enumeration Protocol: We utilize the Dorset Protocol as our primary standard for precision counting and measurement.
- Strategic Counting: We target a minimum of 250 animals per sample, ensuring that no single dominant species exceeds 20% of the total count.
- Specific Taxa Targets: Each count includes 15–35 nauplii and 15–35 copepodids for both Cyclopoida and Calanoida. The remaining number of individuals is divided among adult Copepoda and Cladocera. Count and measure 45-60 individuals for a dominant species in a subsample.
- Supplemental Observations: Identify and enumerate any zebra mussel veligers, Chaoborus and Bythotrephes in subsample.
- Detailed Measurements: Every individual included in the enumeration is measured to provide robust size data.
- Comprehensive Level of Identification: Cladocera and adult Copepoda are identified to the species level (with specific exceptions for certain genera), while immature stages are identified to the order or genus level.
Level of Identification:
Identifications of all life stages of Cladocera and adult Copepoda are made to species level with exception of the genera Acanthocyclops, Microcyclops, Alona, Camptocercus, Eurycercus, and Ceriodaphnia. For copepodids, Limnocalanus macrurus and Senecella calanoides are identified to species. Epischura copepodids are identified to genera. All other copepodids and all nauplii are identified to the level of order (Calanoida and Cyclopoida). Harpacticoida are identified to order.
Biomass Estimation: We provide accurate biomass assessments using the Plankton Counting Tool developed by the Shelley Arnott Lab at Queens University.
- Digital Accuracy: Total body lengths are captured via digital calipers and automatically translated into weights.
- Standardized Regressions: Weights are calculated based on established length-weight regressions specifically for formalin-preserved samples (OMOE's length-weight regressions pg 84).
Zooplankton Community Metrics: We deliver a suite of ecological metrics to help you interpret community health and structure, including:
- Community Size Metrics: Mean size, size diversity, and size spectrum slope.
- Ecological Indicators: Species diversity, evenness.
High-Resolution Imaging: Every project includes a set of high-quality, digital color images of the species and genera encountered during processing at no extra cost. We use a Leica M205C stereomicroscope and Leica MC170 HD camera to ensure optimal resolution for all taxonomic verifications.