Bosminidae Genera

For morphological terms see: Cladocera Anatomy

Two genera of Bosminidae have been recorded in the Great Lakes, each with only one Great Lakes species. Bosmina spp. and Eubosmina spp. are properly distinguished by location of the sensory bristle (near the base of the 1st antennae in Eubosmina, nearer the eye in Bosmina) or by the shape of the postabdominal claw. Fortunately, the two Great Lakes species are also easily distinguished by the presence/absence of a mucro (tail spine). Eubosmina coregoni is unique among Eubosmina species in lacking a mucro. In contrast, Bosmina longirostris has a well defined mucro.