Hyalella azteca is a widespread and abundant species of amphipod crustacean (shrimp) in North America. It reaches 3ââ¬â8 mm (0.12ââ¬â0.31 in) long, and is found in a range of fresh and brackish waters. It feeds on algae and diatoms. Hyalella azteca grows to a length of 3ââ¬â8 millimetres (0.12ââ¬â0.31 in), with males being larger than females. Most frequent hues are white, green and brown. It is the most abundant amphipod of lakes in North America.
H. azteca is extremely common and has wide ecological tolerances. It can tolerate alkaline waters and brackish waters, but cannot tolerate a pH lower (more acidic) than 6.0.
The main foodstuffs of H. azteca are filamentous algae and diatoms, although they may also consume organic detritus. It cannot assimilate either cellulose or lignin, even though these biomolecules are a major component of the leaf litter. It can, however, assimilate 60% ââ¬â 90% of the bacterial biomass that it ingests.
H. azteca is extremely common and has wide ecological tolerances. It can tolerate alkaline waters and brackish waters, but cannot tolerate a pH lower (more acidic) than 6.0.
The main foodstuffs of H. azteca are filamentous algae and diatoms, although they may also consume organic detritus. It cannot assimilate either cellulose or lignin, even though these biomolecules are a major component of the leaf litter. It can, however, assimilate 60% ââ¬â 90% of the bacterial biomass that it ingests.