I've seen the cool water scuds associated with FA and other vegetation. I've seen some that used rock as cover where you could lift a rock and find scuds beneath. They can eat algae like FA and diatoms as well as detritus. So they can be benthic if the need arises but vegetation, IMHO, provides cover and will help to support greater numbers (particularly if Gammarus).

On the other hand, Hyalella Azteca is described by as a sediment dweller by Wikipedia and I presume that pond vegetation though a benefit wouldn't be required:

Quote:
Because of their wide distribution, ease of captive reproduction, and its niche in lake sediments, Hyalella azteca is used in aquatic toxicology assays in sediments [8]

Last edited by jpsdad; 07/03/18 12:22 PM.
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