We cultured five species of rotifers (Brachionus angularis, B. calyciporus, B. patulus, Euchlanis dilatata, and Lepadella patella) under different algal concentrations (Chlorella vulgaris) for a period of 10 to15 days, and we derived the rate of population growth per day (rj for each rotifer species. Using a regression between food concentration and the r for each rotifer species, we calculated the minimal food level required to maintain a zero growth rate (threshold food concentration). For all the tested species, there was a direct and positive relationship between food concentration and peak population density. The highest peak density (738 ind. mL-l) was achieved by L. patella at 0.4X106 cells mL-1. At this food density, B. calycijlorus was only able to reach about 10 ind. mL-1. The highest r value (0.46 d-1) was observed for L. patella at 0.4X106 cells mL-1; at this food concentration, B. calyciflorus and E. dilatata had much lower r values (0.2 land 0.23 d-1, respectively). On a dry weight basis, L. patella had the lowest threshold food concentration (0.0023 mg C t -1 d-I), while B.calyciflorus needed much higher levels (2.04 mg C L
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