Genus Alona

For morphological terms see: Cladocera Anatomy

The Genus Alona is a group of usually small to very small waterfleas including 6 Great Lakes species. Fine features of the carapace and postabdomen are used to distinguish among species - necessitating use of a high-powered light microscope at a minimum.

Green highlighting indicates a unique feature of the species within this genus.

to 0.4mm
Posterior portion of the ventral margin with a fringe of setae. 1-4 very short carapace teeth forming an abbreviated tail.
Alona circumfimbriata

0.4mm
Postabdomen with 8-10 marginal denticles.
Alona guttata