Photomicrograph; x100 approximate magnification
Milk and Honey Photography, Clovelly, Australia
The common water flea, of the family Daphniidae, is found in most bodies of water. It is a valuable food source for animals such as fish and newts. The water flea's transparent body offers a clear view of all their body systemsÑmaking them ideal subjects for examination with a microscope. The water flea pictured here has just eaten a meal of green algae that appears as a green line through its digestive tract. The other circular forms in its body are developing eggs. The immature flea at left has also recently eaten.
