Effects of acidic conditions on the physiology of a green alga (Micractinium sp.) before and after a 5-year interaction with Tetrahymena thermophila in an experimental microcosm

The mechanisms through which algae evolve physiological characteristics related to endosymbiotic associations with heterotrophic organisms remain unclear. We previously showed that a green alga (Micractinium sp.) was able to evolve a host (ciliate)-benefiting phenotype that prolonged the longevity of Tetrahymena thermophila in the absence of bacteria during a 5-year culture period in an experimental microcosm. Comparative experiments between the ancestral alga (i.e. original) and evolved algal clones of the same lineage can be performed to analyse the mechanisms that underlie algal evolution during interactions with ciliates. Here, we investigated the effects of acidic conditions on algal physiology because the acidic conditions within the food vacuoles of Tetrahymena could potentially affect algal evolution during long-term interactions. It might be expected that algal clones isolated from T. thermophila hosts would have developed the ability to resist acidic conditions in order to establish within the host, when compared with the ancestral strain. Unexpectedly, comparative analyses demonstrated that acidic conditions with pH values ranging from 3.9 to 4.3 limited the growth of the isolated algal clones SC9-1 and SC10-2, whereas the ancestral strain could grow under these conditions. Acidic conditions were responsible for significantly lower chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratios in the isolated algal clones, and the isolated clone SC9-1 exhibited a high cellular content of chlorophyllide a during a short exposure to acidic conditions, suggesting that degradation of chlorophyll a occurred. Furthermore, acidic conditions increased the release of extracellular glycerol and sucrose in the SC9-1 clone. These results indicated that the ancestral strain showed phenotypic changes related to acidic conditions, which may reflect the ongoing development of an algal phenotype suited to symbiosis. Hypotheses are proposed to explain the limited growth of the isolated clones, and implications for the Micractinium–Tetrahymena association are discussed.     

Evidence of a geographically variable competitive mimicry relationship in coral reef fishes

In Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, juvenile surgeonfish Acanthurus pyroferus have been shown to gain access to food resources defended by the damselfish Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus by mimicking a pygmy angelfish, Centropyge vrolikii , that does not compete with the damsel for food. I tested whether A. pyroferus juveniles gain the same competitive advantage from mimicking a different pygmy angelfish, Centropyge flavissima , in Moorea, French Polynesia. Through abundance and substrate surveys, behavioral observations and stomach content analyses, I demonstrate that in Moorea, mimicry of Ce. flavissima does not provide A. pyroferus with access to damselfish Stegastes nigricans territories; Ce. flavissima models are always attacked upon territory entry and A. pyroferus mimics avoid damsel territories. Damselfish aggression toward the model angelfish cannot be attributed to overabundance of the deceptive mimic; instead, aggression can best be explained by the fact that Ce. flavissima competes with damsels in Moorea by consuming their algal turfs, making them inappropriate models for competitive mimics. Juveniles of many Indo-Pacific surgeonfishes appear to mimic pygmy angelfishes; I suggest that these mimics' success in gaining access to damselfish territories is geographically variable and may be determined by the extent to which mimics, models and receivers overlap in resource use at a given site. This mimicry complex may thus present an excellent illustration of the geographic mosaic model of coevolution.     

Description of the digestive tract and feeding habits of the king angelfish and the Cortes angelfish

Morphologically, the digestive tracts of the king angelfish Holacunthus passer and the Cortes angelfish Pomacanthus zonipectus are similar, yet the king angelfish intestine is almost 30% longer than that of the Cortes angelfish. Both pomacanthids have a small mouth with villiform teeth, a short oesophagus, a well-defined stomach, and a terminal sac at the end of the digestive tract. The terminal sac, the acid pH in the stomach, and the long intestine may facilitate efficient use of seaweed nutrients. Stomach contents were analysed to determine diets and interspecific overlap. Seventy-one species were found in the stomachs of the king angelfish and 53 in the stomachs of the Cortes angelfish. Because of the wide range of species in their diets, both angelfish must be regarded as omnivorous. The most frequent foods were seaweed and sponges, but for the king angelfish, crustaceans were also important. A cluster analysis was done to determine whether the diets of these fish were similar by sex, size, or season. No similarities were found. Dietary overlap is high in relation to other pomacanthids.     

Anti-egg predator behaviors of the small angelfish Centropyge ferrugatus (Pomacanthidae)

Synopsis Predation on eggs of the angelfish, Centropyge ferrugatus, was observed in the coral reefs of Sesoko Island, Okinawa, Japan. This angelfish released pelagic eggs in pairs at sunset after slow ascents. Of 99 matings of this angelfish, an omnivorous damselfish Amblyglyphidodon curacao approached in 25, and fed on the released eggs in eight cases. The spawning angelfish never attacked the egg-predators. Pairs of this angelfish avoided the egg-predators by delaying mating for several minutes during courtships, and by frequent changes of spawning sites. Of the 25 matings targeted by the egg-predators, the angelfish successfully avoided predation in 17 cases. Eight matings were failures mainly due to lack of any attempt to elude the predator, suggesting that the delayed matings on multiple spawning sites are effective anti-egg predator behaviors.     

Effects of acidic pH and phytoplankton on survival and condition of Bosmina longirostris and Daphnia pulex

The effects of pH, algal composition and algal biomass on abundance, size, reproduction and condition of Daphnia pulex and Bosmina longirostris were tested in a field experiment using water and natural phytoplankton assemblages from a circumneutral (pH 6.43) and a moderately acidic (pH 5.75) lake in south-central Ontario. Both species were affected by pH and phytoplankton composition, with decreased egg production, lipid reserves, body size or abundance in treatments containing algae and/or water from the more acidic lake compared to treatments containing water and phytoplankton from the circumneutral lake. This result was unexpected for Bosmina, which often increases in relative and/or absolute abundance in acidified lakes. The negative effect of acidic conditions on Bosmina suggests that the population increase observed in most acidified lakes is not due to a positive response to low pH or ambient phytoplankton, but to altered biotic interactions possibly involving reduced competition.     

Factors affecting the activity of bovicin HC5, a bacteriocin from Streptococcus bovis HC5: release, stability and binding to target bacteria

AIMS: To determine the factors affecting the release, stability and binding of bovicin HC5 to sensitive bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: Stationary phase Streptococcus bovis HC5 cultures had little cell-free bovicin HC5 activity until the final pH was <5.0, and even more bacteriocin was released by treatment with acidic NaCl (pH 2.0, 100 mmol l(-1)). Cultures grown with Tween 80 had more cell-free bovicin HC5 than untreated controls, but this nonionic detergent enhanced activity rather than release. Bovicin HC5 binding to S. bovis JB1 (a susceptible strain) was greater at pH values <6.0. Bovicin HC5 bound other sensitive Gram-positive bacteria, but not Gram-negative species. Cultures retained most of their activity for 35 days, but only if the final pH was <5.6. If the final pH was >5.6, peptidases destroyed much of the activity. CONCLUSIONS: Bovicin HC5 remains cell associated until the culture pH is <5.0, but it can be easily dissociated from the cell surface by acidic NaCl. It is highly stable in acidic environments and only binds sensitive bacteria at pH values <6.0. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Streptococcus bovis HC5 does not have generally regarded as safe status. However, bovicin HC5 has a broad spectrum of activity and sensitive bacteria do not become resistant. Based on these results, bovicin HC5 may be a useful bacteriocin model.     

Do body and fin form affect the abilities of fish to stabilize swimming during maneuvers through vertical and horizontal tubes?

Goldfish, Carassius auratus, silver dollar, Metynnis hypsauchen, and angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare were induced to swim through narrow vertical and horizontal tubes ranging in length from 0 to 20 cm (approximately 0 to 3 times total fish length, FL). The ability to stabilize the body while negotiating these confined spaces was quantified as (1) the minimum width of vertical (w_v) and horizontal (w_h) tubes traversed, where width is the smaller cross-sectional dimension of the tube, (2) the ratio w_v/w_h, and (3) transit speed through the tubes. Tube width was expressed as relative width, obtained by dividing tube width by fish length. Minimum relative widths traversed increased from 0.15 to 0.19 in the order silver dollar > angelfish > goldfish for vertical tubes and from 0.17 to 0.18 in the order goldfish=silver dollar > angelfish for horizontal tubes. w_v/w_h increased from 0.91 to 1.10 in the order silver dollar=angelfish > goldfish. Minimum tube widths generally increased with tube length for vertical tubes. Although significant differences in relative minimum widths among species were found, these were small. In contrast, for horizontal tubes, there was no significant effect of tube length on minimum tube width for any species. Large differences were found in transit speed. Transit speed generally decreased as the tube length increased. The slope of the relationship between transit speed and tube length varied among species generally increasing from – 0.41 to – 1.16 for horizontal tubes in the order goldfish > silver dollar > angelfish and from – 0.42 to – 1.07 in the order silver dollar > goldfish > angelfish for vertical tubes. As a result, goldfish usually took longest to traverse tubes of zero length but the shortest time to traverse the longest tubes. In contrast, angelfish traversed short tubes in the least time and long tubes in the greatest time. Deeper bodied angelfish swam slowly and traversed tubes with difficulty because they required experience during each trial to replace median and paired fin with body and caudal fin swimming. According to our data, goldfish were best able to swim in confined spaces.     

The pH-independent effect of aluminum on cultures of phytoplankton from an acidic Wisconsin lake

Negative correlations between aluminum and planktonic algal abundance have been reported in acidic lakes. Natural assemblages of phytoplankton from a low-pH, low-Al lake (Franklin Lake, WI) were grown in semi-continuous cultures consisting of four treatments at pH 5.7 with 0.0, 50, 100, and 200 μg Al L⁻¹ and one treatment at pH 4.7 with no Al added. Asterionella ralfsii var. americana (a common diatom plankter in acidic lakes) grew well at both pH 4.7 and 5.7 when no Al was added but declined in all other treatments and so may be useful as an indicator of acidic, low monomeric-Al conditions. Other common plankters that showed this pattern included: Arthrodesmus indentatus, Ar. octocornus, Ar. quiriferus, Staurastrum arachne var. curvatum, S. longipes var. contractum, and S. pentacerum. Common taxa showing no toxic effects of Al were Dinobryon bavaricum, Peridinium limbatum, Stenokalyx monilifera, Elaktothrix sp. and Oedogonium sp. We hypothesize that metal toxicity as a pulse at spring snowmelt could dramatically change algal succession in moderately acidic lakes. The experimental results agreed well with field observations. These types of experiments are useful for predicting the responses of natural phytoplankton communities to increases in Al concentration.     

Gyrotaxis: A plume model for self-focusing micro-organisms

We consider the phenomenon of self-focusing pattern formation of motile micro-organisms (“streamer”). The focusing mechanism is based on gyrotaxis, a physical phenomenon, and it results from the balance between viscous and gravitational moments on the organisms. Under particular circumstances such streamers are stabilized and sink, resulting in vertical transport of micro-organisms as well as horizontal heterogeneity in cell concentration. We develop a plume model for the streamer, which consists of the equations of continuity, momentum, and cell concentration. These equations are further simplified to three basic equations representing volume, momentum and concentration fluxes of the steady-state plume. Asymptotic analytical solutions for the plume are obtained. From numerical solutions we find the shape of the plume which takes the form of a vertical string with lengths ranging from 1 to 10 cm. The streamer formation can be related to algal blooms occurring in the sea and to algal cultures grown in the laboratory.     

Proteomic analysis of the response of an acidophilic strain of Chlamydomonas sp. (Chlorophyta) to natural metal‐rich water

A proteomic approach including 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF analysis has been developed to identify the soluble proteins of the unicellular photosynthetic algae Chlamydomonas sp. isolated from an extreme acidic environment, Río Tinto (southwest Spain). We have analyzed the soluble proteome obtained from whole cells growing on metal‐rich natural acidic water from the river in comparison with the same strain growing in artificial BG‐11 media. The most drastic effect was the decrease in the abundance of the ribulose‐1,5‐biphosphate carboxylase as well as other enzymes related to photosynthesis. However, phytochrome B, phosphoribulokinase, and phosphoglycerate kinase were upregulated when cells were grown in metal‐rich acidic water. Besides, increased accumulation of two Hsps, Hsp70 and Hsp90 as well as other stress‐related enzymes were also found in the cells growing in natural acidic water. These results suggest that naturally occurring metal‐rich water induces a stress response in acidophilic Chlamydomonas forcing algal cells to reorganize their metabolic pathways as an adaptive response to these environmental conditions.     

Microalgal triacylglycerols as feedstocks for biofuel production: perspectives and advances

Microalgae represent an exceptionally diverse but highly specialized group of micro-organisms adapted to various ecological habitats. Many microalgae have the ability to produce substantial amounts (e.g. 20–50% dry cell weight) of triacylglycerols (TAG) as a storage lipid under photo-oxidative stress or other adverse environmental conditions. Fatty acids, the building blocks for TAGs and all other cellular lipids, are synthesized in the chloroplast using a single set of enzymes, of which acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) is key in regulating fatty acid synthesis rates. However, the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis is poorly understood in microalgae. Synthesis and sequestration of TAG into cytosolic lipid bodies appear to be a protective mechanism by which algal cells cope with stress conditions, but little is known about regulation of TAG formation at the molecular and cellular level. While the concept of using microalgae as an alternative and renewable source of lipid-rich biomass feedstock for biofuels has been explored over the past few decades, a scalable, commercially viable system has yet to emerge. Today, the production of algal oil is primarily confined to high-value specialty oils with nutritional value, rather than commodity oils for biofuel. This review provides a brief summary of the current knowledge on oleaginous algae and their fatty acid and TAG biosynthesis, algal model systems and genomic approaches to a better understanding of TAG production, and a historical perspective and path forward for microalgae-based biofuel research and commercialization.     

The Role of Body Surface Area in Quantity Discrimination in Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Although some fish species have been shown to be able to discriminate between two groups (shoals) of conspecifics differing in the number of members, most studies have not controlled for continuous variables that covary with number. Previously, using angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) we started the systematic analysis of the potential influence of such continuous variables, and found that they play different roles in shoal discrimination depending on whether large (≥4 fish) or small (<4 fish) shoals were contrasted. Here, we examine the potential role of the overall body surface area of stimulus fish in shoal preference, a prominent variable not yet examined in angelfish. We report that both when numerically large (5 versus 10 fish) and when small (2 versus 3 fish) shoals were contrasted, angelfish were unable to discriminate the numerically different shoals as long as the surface area of the contrasted shoals was equated. Thus, we conclude that body surface may be an important continuous variable in shoal discrimination. This conclusion was further supported by the analysis of preference when shoals of the same numerical size but different body surface area were contrasted. We found subjects to spend significantly more time close to the shoals with the greater overall surface area. Last, we conducted an experiment in which we simultaneously controlled a set of continuous variables, including overall surface area, and found angelfish to use the number of shoal members as a cue only in large shoal contrasts but not in small shoal contrasts. This result suggests the potential existence of different processing systems for large and small numbers in fish.     

Morphological and histochemical study of supragingival human calculus and dental plaque using ruthenium hexammine trichloride and acridine orange.

Ruthenium hexammine trichloride (RHT) and acridine orange were used to preserve and visualize anionic groups in human plaque and dental calculus. RHT-reacting material was present on the membrane of micro-organisms and in intermicrobial spaces of the calcifying areas, and seems to correspond to, and derive from, acidic glyco- and phospholipids of the plasma membrane of the micro-organisms. However, the presence of acidic salivary peptidoglycans cannot be ruled out. Two types of calcification were found: extramicrobial and intramicrobial. The former consisted of calcified deposits irregularly scattered in the intermicrobial matrix. They were in close relationship with RHT-reacting material, or were placed inside vesicular structures delimited by a membrane. Intramicrobial calcification consisted of small aggregates of needle-shaped crystals and/or of granular deposits; in both cases, they either masked the whole cytoplasm of the micro-organisms, or were located only over the plasma membrane. These results suggest that mineral deposition occurs in connection with acidic components of intermicrobial matrix, microbial plasma membranes, and cytoplasms. The addition of RHT and acridine orange to fixing and decalcifying solutions yields satisfactory preservation of dental calculus and plaque, and apparently reduces loss of their anionic organic components and increases their electron density. However, these substances are not sufficient to preserve all ultrastructural details in decalcified areas, probably because the inorganic substance prevents reaction of acridine orange and RHT with the organic components of the calcified matrix.     

Understanding behaviour to improve the welfare of an ornamental fish

Some common practices in aquaculture, ornamental trade and fish facilities may disturb the behavioural repertoire of fish and its natural adaptive value, reducing welfare and impairing fish production. Hence, it is necessary to understand fish behaviour, as well as the factors affecting it, to improve the quality of fish's life under artificial environment. Here, we reviewed the behaviour of the angelfish Pterophyllum scalare, an Amazonian cichlid used worldwide both as an ornamental fish and as a fish model in scientific research. We characterized social, reproductive and feeding behaviour, as well as the amazing cognitive ability of the angelfish. In addition, we reviewed the effects of environmental enrichment and suggested some important variables that need to be considered for rearing P. scalare. In this review, we show for the first time a synthesis on behaviour and a best practice overview to improve the welfare of angelfish as a target species. Nonetheless, most topics reviewed fit a broader set of fish species, particularly ornamental ones. This synthesis can therefore open a path for further behavioural research applied to the welfare of angelfish and bring insights to other fish species.     

Effect of algal incorporation on growth, survival and carcass composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry

A nutritional assay has been conducted with rainbow trout fry (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using a biomass of photosynthetic micro-organisms. The algal biomass was incorporated in the feed at increasing levels (12.5%, 25% and 50%) in order to verify the effects on survival (%), growth (length and mass) and carcass quality of the fish (skin color, water, protein and lipid content). Two commercial feeds (CF, as sold, and 0% A, reprocessed without algae) have been used as controls. After eight weeks at 10 degrees C, the growth has been significantly reduced in fish fed the feeds containing 25% and 50% algae diets (P<0.01). Moreover, an incorporation of algae higher than 12.5% in the feed led to a increase of water content (CF versus other diets; P<0.01) and TL (CF versus 50% A; P<0.01) (wet basis) content of carcasses. Survival was 100% in all treatment groups. Under the experimental conditions used, the results obtained show that a maximum of 12.5% of algal biomass can be incorporated in the feed for rainbow trout fry (O. mykiss) without negative consequences on growth and body content in lipids and energy of fish.     

Patterns of ion regulation in acidophilic fish native to the ion-poor, acidic Rio Negro

The Na⁺ uptake mechanism of cardinal tetras Paracheirodon axelrodi displayed specialization for operation in dilute waters of the amazonian Rio Negro. Kinetic analysis revealed low K_m and high J_max values which ensure high rates of uptake even in very dilute waters. In contrast, Na⁺ uptake of angelfish Pterophyllum scalare did not appear to be specialized for dilute waters at all, with much higher K_m and lower J_max values. Na⁺ uptake in cardinal tetras was high and completely unaffected down to pH 3·5, while uptake in angelfish was much lower and progressively inhibited by dropping pH; it was completely shut down at pH 3·5. During chronic exposure to pH 4·0 and 3·5, angelfish showed no ability to restore Na⁺ uptake and at pH 3·5 all individuals died between day 3 and 6 presumably due to small, but steady loss of Na⁺. At low pH, both species displayed a strong ability to prevent stimulation of diffusive Na+ losses. In angelfish, the ability to control diffusive ion losses at low pH was related to a high branchial affinity for Ca²⁺. For cardinal tetras, the rate of Na⁺ loss appeared to be independent of water Ca²⁺ concentration. The specializations of cardinal tetras are similar to other characid fishes tested, but the results for angelfish reveal a new pattern of ion regulation in acidophilic species from the Rio Negro. The differences between the species may be the result of their different distributions, cardinal tetras are found in the central Rio Negro region while angelfish are more peripheral, or they may reflect phylogenetic differences.     

Bovicin HC5 reduces thermal resistance of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris in acidic mango pulp

Aims:  To test the effect of bovicin HC5 against vegetative cells and endospores of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris DSMZ 2498 in synthetic media and in acidic mango pulp.
Methods and Results:  Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris was grown in synthetic medium at 40°C and pH 4·0. The effect on vegetative cells was assayed by adding bovicin HC5 to synthetic medium (40–160 AU ml⁻¹) or to mango pulp (100 AU ml⁻¹) at various pH values and determining the effect on growth (OD_600nm) and viable cell number, respectively. The effect of bovicin HC5 on spore germination and thermal sensitivity of A. acidoterrestris was tested in mango pulp (pH 4·0) containing 80 AU ml⁻¹ of bovicin HC5. Bovicin HC5 was bactericidal against vegetative cells of A. acidoterrestris at different pH values and showed sporicidal activity against endospores of this bacterium. When spores of A. acidoterrestris were heat treated in the presence of bovicin HC5, D -values decreased 77% to 95% compared to untreated controls at temperatures ranging from 80 to 95°C.
Conclusion:  Bovicin HC5 was bactericidal and sporicidal against A. acidoterrestrsi DSMZ 2498.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  These results indicated that bovicin HC5 has potential to prevent spoilage of acidic fruit juices by thermocidophilic spore-forming bacteria.     

The effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on bovicin HC5 production by Streptococcus bovis HC5

Aims:  To investigate the effect of media composition and agroindustrial residues on bovicin HC5 production by Streptococcus bovis HC5.
Methods and Results:  Batch cultures of S. bovis HC5 were grown in basal medium containing different carbon and nitrogen sources. The activity of cell-free and cell-associated bovicin HC5 was determined in culture supernatants and acidic extracts obtained from cell pellets, respectively. Streptococcus bovis HC5 produced bovicin using a variety of carbon and nitrogen sources. The highest specific activity was obtained in media containing 16 g l⁻¹ of glucose, after 16 h of incubation. The peak in cell-free and cell-associated bovicin HC5 activity was detected when S. bovis HC5 cultures reached stationary phase. The bovicin HC5 specific activity and bacterial cell mass increased approximately 3-fold when yeast extract and trypticase (0·5 and 1·0 g l⁻¹, respectively) were added together to the basal medium. Streptococcus bovis HC5 cultures produced bovicin HC5 in cheese whey and sugar cane juice and maximal volumetric productivity was obtained after 12 h of incubation.
Conclusions:  Streptococcus bovis HC5 is a versatile lactic acid bacterium that can utilize several carbon and nitrogen sources for bovicin HC5 production. This bacterium could be a useful model to study bacteriocin production in the rumen ecosystem.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  The use of agroindustrial residues as carbon sources could have an economical impact on bovicin HC5 production. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show the use of sugar cane juice for bacteriocin production by lactic acid bacteria.     

Isolation of Gram-positive n-alkane degraders from a hydrocarbon-contaminated Mediterranean shoreline

Aims:  To investigate the petroleum hydrocarbon (HC)-degrading potential of indigenous micro-organisms in a sandy Mediterranean coast, accidentally contaminated with petroleum-derived HCs.
Methods and Results:  Using culturable methods, a population of Gram-positive n -alkane degraders was detected in the contaminated soil. Five isolates, identified as one Nocardia , two Rhodococcus and two Gordonia strains, were able to degrade medium- and long-chain n -alkanes up to C₃₆ as assessed by growth assays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Diverging alkane hydroxylase-encoding genes ( alkB ) were detected by PCR, using degenerated primers, in all the strains; multiple sequences were obtained from the Nocardia strain, while only one alkB gene was detected in the Rhodococcus and Gordonia strains. The majority of the alkB sequences were related to Rhodococcus alkB2 , but none was identical to it.
Conclusions:  Actinomycetes might have a key role in bioremediation of n -alkane-contaminated sites under dry, resource-limited conditions, such as those found in the Mediterranean shorelines.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  To our knowledge, this is the first study on the bioremediation potential in Mediterranean contaminated beaches.     

Spatio-temporal Investigations on the Planktonic Organisms of the Middle Loire (France), During the Low Water Period: Biodiversity and Community Dynamics

The objective of this work was to analyse the distribution of the planktonic communities involved in the functioning of a 255-km river stretch and to get a better understanding of the influence of the river morphology on the diversity and dynamics of the micro-organisms. The planktonic communities (phytoplankton, bacterioplankton, proto- and metazooplankton) scarcely considered together in fluvial systems, were analysed at four sites of the Middle Loire during the low water period, in parallel to physical and chemical analyses. Physical and chemical variables such as turbidity, pH, suspended matter and chlorophyll a concentration were high, illustrating the classical, productive summer period. The algae played a major role in the water oxygenation until end-summer, then the algal drop concomitant to the bacterial sustained abundance appeared responsible for oxygen depletion. The downstream site enriched by nutrients inputs of two tributaries, carried the highest algal and bacterial densities. Situated in a meanders zone, the Middle Loire is characterised by a high habitat heterogeneity, the up- and downstream sites were wide and spread of vast standing zones and vegetated islands, whereas the two intermediate ones were narrower and more uniform. This morphological variability strongly impacted the micro-organisms diversity and distribution. Indeed, the algae and zooplankton composition were clearly influenced by the physical habitats of the river, the Cyanophyta were favoured by the lentic conditions and the Bacillariophyta by the turbulent ones, while the young stage of copepod and the large rotifer predators were indicator of a lentic origin. Thereafter, the river heterogeneity interfered with the zooplankton dynamics, the standing conditions enhancing the rotifer predation. In that way, we hypothesise that two opposite patterns characterised the wide sites spread of lentic water and the more uniform channels. In the first case, the zooplankton could prey on the ciliates protozoan, which in return favoured the flagellate ones; conversely in the second situation the zooplankton limited by the physical constraints did not impact the ciliates which could depress the flagellates. Thus, the similar geomorphology of the distant upstream and downstream sites (255-km apart) induced relatively close organisms distribution. Hence, disagreeing with the river continuum concept, this assertion shows the strong influence played by the local morphological characteristics of the Middle Loire in potamoplankton composition and dynamics.