These water fleas are filter feeders; filtration rates depend on temperature, body size, food density and quality, oxygen concentration, and water pH. These animals use leaf-like appendages called phylopods, located under their carapaces, to help produce a water current. Setae on their thoracic legs filter food particulates (generally smaller than 50 micrometers in diameter), which are then moved along a body groove to their mouths. Their primary diet consists of zooplankton and phytoplankton; they are also known to consume bacteria, detritus, and fungal spores