Paracyclops affinis is a robust, relatively small copepode with both short antennae (11 joints) and furca. Its colour is generally dark bluish grey and it is associated with nutrient rich localities situated below timberline.

Key characteristics

Like other species that belongs to this genus, Paracyclops affinis has short antennae (11 joints). The anterior part is conspicuously broad and flattened. This species is distinguished from its relative P. poppei by the appearance of the furca which is shorter, about twice as long as wide. As in P. fimbriatus, dorsally the two brances of furca are crossed by a row of small spines. The habitués of this species is somewhat like Ectocyclops phaleratus, which is larger and looks even more robust than P. affinis.

Female: Length 0.7–0.9 mm

Male: Length 0.6–0.7 mm

Ecology and distribution

Among species in the genus Paracyclops, P. affinis is the most common, found in about 10 % of the investigated lakes. The majority of records are from localities below 300 m a.s.l. and it is never found above 1000 m a.s.l. It is found in water bodies of all sizes, and seems also to be quite tolerant towards acidity. P. affinis occurs with higher frequency in electrolyte rich water than in electrolyte poor water.

    pH
    Vitenskapelig navn < 4,5 4,5 - 4,9 5,0 - 5,4 5,5 - 5,9 6,0 - 6,4 6,5 - 7,0 7,0 - 7,4 > 7,5
    1 9,5 11,7 16,7 13 10,4 12 16,7
    Ledningsevne (m S/m)|Conductivity (m S/m)
    Vitenskapelig navn < 1,0 1,0 - 1,4 1,5 - 1,9 2,0 - 2,9 3,0 - 3,9 4,0 - 4,9 5,0 - 6,9 7,0 - 9,9 > 10,0
    2,2 2,6 8,8 7,4 12 16 18,2 16,7 21,1
    Innsjøareal (da)|Surface area (da)
    Vitenskapelig navn < 0,01 0,01 - 0,09 0,1 - 0,9 1,0 - 9,9 10,0 - 99 100 - 999 > 1000
    3,9 6,5 5,6 12,6 10,3 12,7 19,6
    Høyde over havet (moh.)|Elevation (m a.s.l.)
    Vitenskapelig navn < 100 100-299 300-499 500-699 700-999 >1000
    13,1 19 6,8 1,7 5,1 0

Look alikes

Ectocyclops phaleratus