« Back to Glossary Index
« Back to Glossary Index
The cladocera are an order of small crustaceans commonly called water fleas. Around 620 species have been recognized so far, with many more undescribed. They are ubiquitous in inland aquatic habitats, but rare in the oceans.
Water fleas are eaten by many animals, such as fish and aquatic insects. Because there are so many of them, they are an important source of food.