Small-scale distribution and diel vertical migration of zooplankton in a shallow lake (Lake Naardermeer, the Netherlands)

• Published in: Hydrobiologia 2003-01, Vol.491 (1-3), p.111-117
• Main Authors: CERBIN, S, BALAYLA, D. J, VAN DE BUND, W. J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Fresh water ecosystems; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Lakes; Plankton; Samplers; Synecology; Water column; Zooplankton
• ISSN: 0018-8158; 1573-5117
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1024491011742

Issue Title: Recent Developments in Fundamental and Applied Plankton Research Small scale distribution and diurnal migration of zooplankton were investigated in lake Naardermeer, a shallow lake largely covered by uniform Chara beds. For sampling, pattern samplers with a number of inverted funnels facing towards the lake bottom and held in a frame were used. Samplers were placed near the water surface and just above the plants, during one diel cycle (noon and midnight). Ceriodaphnia and Bosmina showed the highest levels of aggregation, both in the Chara bed and in the water above it. Chydorus sphaericusMüller and Diaphanosoma brachyurumLeivendid not aggregate in open water at daytime. Chydorus sphaericus and Eurytemora velox Lilljeborg ascended from the Chara bed into the open water during the night. Sida crystalina Müller and Chydorus sphaericus individuals collected at night were larger in size than those collected during daytime, both in the Chara bed and in the water above it. The results indicate that larger Sida crystallina individuals have a stonger preference to stay in the Chara bed at night than smaller individuals. In lakes with extensive and uniform Chara beds with a large overlying water column, zooplankton appear to migrate vertically rather than horizontally.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]