Cladoceran Size Classes

Cladocerans have been divided into 5 size classes. Species with an adult size range overlapping the categories are included in both categories.

Photos scaled to indicate relative size. On standard browser/screen combinations, this represents approximately a 15x magnification.

Large (2-4mm)
9 Great Lakes waterflea species fall into this size category.

Average (1-2mm)
9 Great Lakes waterflea species fall into this size category.

Small (0.5-1.0mm)
More than 35 Great Lakes waterflea species fall into this size category.

VerySmall (<0.5mm)
More than 20 Great Lakes waterflea species fall into this size category.

Very Large (>5mm)

Just 4 Great Lakes waterflea species fall into the very large size category.