A note of warning, however: although CBS also sells some CP--and some
tissue-culture kits now--I know that historically they have purchased
wild-collected plants. They may have changed their ways, but I would be
AMAZED. Fortunately, as the other person mentioned, they are a bit
pricey--so that people in CP circles can almost certainly get the common
CP they sell elsewhere PROPAGATED cheaper (or even free).
I was fascinated by Daphnia when I was in the 5th grade (o-so many years
ago), and even I didn't managage to kill them--- they seemed rather easy
to culture. So, no need to buy enough for a "class of 500"--just go for
a small batch at first. If you have problems, you haven't lost much. If
you're immediately successful, you'll never have to buy them again--they
breed like rabbits(?--or should I say, rabbits breed like Daphnia?). As
I recall, they seem to like a fair amount of light--maybe (or maybe not)
this is just because that's what makes the algae grow. CBS usually has
"owner's manuals" for their cultured critters; be sure to request &/or
order one for your Daphnia.
aloha for now,
-pt
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Philip A. Thomas - thomasp@maui.com OR halesci@hawaii.edu
P.O. Box 1272 - Puunene, Maui, Hawaii 96784 USA
voice: (808) 572-9306 ext. 3233 fax: (808) 572-1304
## Opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily represent ##
## the views of the U.S. National Biological Service or my employer! ##