veetõmplehte

veetõmplehte is an Estonian term that translates to "water flea" in English. These small aquatic crustaceans belong to the order Cladocera. They are commonly found in freshwater environments such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams worldwide. Despite their common name, water fleas are not true fleas but rather branch-shelled crustaceans. They are characterized by their small size, typically less than 5 millimeters, and a carapace that encloses their body, often with a visible beating heart. Their legs are adapted for swimming and filtering food particles from the water.

Water fleas play a significant role in aquatic ecosystems. They are important filter feeders, consuming algae and bacteria, which helps to keep the water clear. They also serve as a crucial food source for a variety of larger aquatic organisms, including fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. Reproduction in water fleas can be both sexual and asexual, with asexual reproduction often occurring rapidly during favorable conditions, leading to population booms. This cyclical reproduction pattern makes them interesting subjects of ecological study. Their sensitivity to water quality also makes them useful bioindicators for monitoring the health of aquatic environments.