An Apparatus for Separating Live Amphipods from Debris

Abstract We designed an inexpensive (US$35), easy-to-build apparatus that separates live freshwater amphipods Hyalella azteca from debris. In 2 d of unattended operation, the separator provided an average of 2,700 amphipods from debris per square meter of raceway bottom (range = 1,600–4,000/m2; n = 3). Amphipod-containing debris collection, apparatus setup, and salt treatment of amphipods to kill hydras and flatworms took about 10 min.