Trophic interactions and benthic animal community structure in the Colorado River, Arizona, U.S.A.

1. Cladophora glomerata is the dominant filamentous green alga in the tailwaters of the Colorado River, U.S.A., below Glen Canyon Dam, but becomes co-dominant with filamentous cyanobacteria, Oscillatoria spp., below the confluence of the Paria River (26km below the dam) where suspended sediments are elevated. 2. Benthic algal assemblages played an important role in the distribution of the amphipod, Gammarus lacustris, in the dam-controlled Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Cladophara and G. lacustris showed a weak positive relationship at ten cobble-riffle habitats in the Colorado River from Lees Ferry (25km below the dam) to Diamond Creek (362km downstream), while no relationship was found between Oscillatoria and G. lacustris. 3. The relationship between algal substrata and G. lacustris was tested by a series of in situ habitat choice experiments. G. lacustris showed a significant preference for Cladophora (with epiphytes) over Oscillatoria spp., detritus and gravel in treatment pans at Lees Ferry. 4. Epiphytic diatoms (i.e. food) were the overriding determinant of subtratum choice by G. lacustris in laboratory experiments. Gammarus chose the Cladophora/epiphytic diatom community over sonicated Cladophora with few diatoms. The amphipods also chose string soaked in diatom extract over string without diatom extract. 5. Importance of mutualistic interactions in aquatic benthic community structure is discussed.     

A survey of toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Ladoga and adjacent water bodies

Twentyfive cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Ladoga and adjacent water bodies were studied in the summer of 1990–1992. Toxicity of the water bloom material for mice was detected in 9 cases. The maximal tolerable doses (MTD) of the material extracted from biomass varied within 3–30 mg kg^–1 mouse body weight; 50% lethal doses (LD₅₀) were within 45–125 mg kg^–1. Toxic water blooms were registered in Karelian lakes and in the Neva Bay, Gulf of Finland. Cyanobacterial samples collected on the eastern coast of Lake Ladoga proved to be non-toxic. The species identified in toxic bloom material included Anabaena circinalis, A. flos-aquae, A. lemmermannii, Anabaena sp., Aphanizomenonflos-aquae, Gloeotrichia echinulata, G. pisum, Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria sp. These data suggest that toxic forms of cyanobacteria are widespread in Karelian lakes belonging to the drainage basin of Lake Ladoga.     

Toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in Finnish fresh and coastal waters

A survey of the occurrence of toxic blooms of cyanobacteria in Finnish fresh and coastal waters was made during 1985 and 1986. Toxicity of the freeze-dried water bloom samples was tested by mouse-bioassay (i.p.). Forty-four per cent (83/188) of the bloom samples were found to be lethally toxic. Hepatotoxic blooms (54) were almost twice as common as neurotoxic ones (29). Anabaena was the most frequently found genus in toxic and non-toxic blooms and it was present in all neurotoxic samples. Statistical associations were found between hepatotoxicity and incidence of Microcystis aeruginosa, M. viridis, M. wesenbergii, Anabaena flos-aquae and Anabaena spiroides. Neurotoxicity was statistically associated with Anabaena lemmermannii, Anabaena flos-aquae and Gomphosphaeria naegeliana. Isolation of strains of cyanobacteria confirmed the occurrence of hepatotoxic and neurotoxic strains of Anabaena, as well as hepatotoxic strains of Microcystis and Oscillatoria species.Toxic blooms caused cattle poisonings at three different lakes during the study period. Toxic blooms also occurred in drinking water sources. Our study shows that toxic cyanobacteria are more common in Finnish lakes than would be expected on the basis of animal poisonings. The results of this study show the existence of toxic cyanobacteria in Finnish water supplies and the need for their continued study as agents of water based disease.     

The effect of temperature on growth characteristics and competitions of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis aeruginosa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oscillatoria mougeotii</Emphasis> in a shallow,eutrophic lake simulator system

Blue-green algal blooms formed by Microcystis and Oscillatoria often occur in shallow eutrophic lakes, such as Lake Taihu (China) and Lake Kasumigaura (Japan). Growth characteristics and competitions between Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria mougeotii were investigated using lake simulator systems (microcosms) at various temperatures. Oscillatoria was the superior competitor, which suppressed Microcystis, when temperature was <20°C, whereas the opposite phenomenon occurred at 30°C. Oscillatoria had a long exponential phase (20 day) and a low growth rate of 0.22 day⁻¹ and 0.20 day⁻¹ at 15°C and 20°C, respectively, whereas Microcystis had a shorter exponential phase (2–3 days) at 30°C and a higher growth rate (0.86 day⁻¹). Interactions between the algae were stronger and more complex in the lake simulator system than flask systems. Algal growth in the lake simulator system was susceptible to light attenuation and pH change, and algae biomasses were lower than those in flasks. The outcome of competition between Microcystis and Oscillatoria at different temperatures agrees with field observations of algal communities in Lake Taihu, indicating that temperature is a significant factor affecting competition between Microcystis and Oscillatoria in shallow, eutrophic lakes.     

Limnological studies of two contrasting but closely linked springs in Nigeria,West Africa

ABSTRACT

An account is presented of the chemistry and algal flora of two streams in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The two streams, one of which is much warmer than the other, are separate upstream but subsequently merge. A comparison of the springs revealed that while they differed markedly in temperature, colour, turbidity, conductivity, solids, total alkalinity, total hardness, Ca, SiO₃, SO₄, Mg, Cl^- and dissolved oxygen, they showed some similarities in pH, Fe, Na, K, PO₄ and NO₃. In the cold spring, while total alkalinity, conductivity and silicate increased in the wet season, total hardness decreased slightly and other variables exhibited fluctuations with season. For the warm spring, except for increased total alkalinity and total hardness, dissolved oxygen and pH decreased in the wet season. However, most parameters of the warm spring were unaffected by season. Floristically, the springs were rich in species with a total of 84 taxa: 56 in the warm spring, 33 in the cold spring, 44 at the confluence and 40 beyond the confluence. The warm spring was dominated mainly by blue-green algae such as Lyngbya birgei, Synechococcus aequalis and Oscillatoria spp.; the cold spring was dominated by Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum and Navicula spp. The confluence was dominated by Terpsinoe musica, R. hieroglyphicum and Lyngbya birgei, while the site downstream of the confluence was dominated entirely by R. hieroglyphicum. In most cases, the confluence and downstream area beyond the confluence of the springs exhibited intermediate characteristics between the two springs. This study is a contribution to the dearth of information on streams in West Africa.     

Comparison of sampling and analytical methods for monitoring of cyanobacteria-dominated surface waters

Different sampling methods can often produce different results when cyanobacterial blooms are intense and there are surface scums. Accordingly, five commonly used sampling methods and four sampling times were compared for monitoring of Oscillatoria and Microcystis populations. The different methods and times led to significantly different results for cyanobacterial biomass and its variance. Sampling methods that tended to be more specific to surface scums resulted in much higher and more variable measurements. Although sampling later in the day greatly reduced variances, the measured biomass was much lower than at earlier times of day, which was attributed to cyanobacterial downward migration in the afternoon. These trends were common for Oscillatoria and Microcystis. In order to overcome such problems, the median and median absolute deviation (MAD) were proposed, instead of the arithmetic mean and standard deviation (SD), for presenting a central tendency of measured values. Although the mean ± SD has been widely used to express a central tendency, it is too sensitive to outlying values that are very common during cyanobacterial blooms. The large differences in the mean values between the sampling methods and times were reduced by using the median values. Furthermore, the median ± MAD revealed the real data distribution more effectively. Handling editor: D. Hamilton     

Bloom forming cyanobacterial complexes co-occurring in a subtropical large reservoir: validation of dominant eco-strategies

In this study, we analyse the spatial distribution of cyanobacterial summer blooms in a large subtropical reservoir located in the Uruguay River, from 2007 to 2011; these extraordinary algal growth events are mainly represented by scum-forming and nitrogen-fixing eco-strategists of the Dolichospermum and Microcystis genera. The use of the eco-strategists approach, based on ecophysiological work and field observations, allowed us to explain the differences in the distribution pattern and temporal dynamics of both cyanobacterial complexes. Spatial differences were produced due to much higher and fluctuating cyanobacterial abundances at the right margin of the reservoir and at the littoral areas closer to the dam. Satellite imagery (LANDSAT 5 TM) clearly depicted the stronger algal development in the reservoir arms and in the section closer to the dam. The Microcystis spp. complex achieved higher density than the Dolichospermum spp. complex. We hypothesise that the hydrological cycle explains the inter-annual fluctuations of the intensity and frequency of cyanobacterial blooms, and that spatial differences in cyanobacterial presence between the reservoir arms, its margins and the main channel is mainly a response to morphometrical and hydrological characteristics.     

Phylogenetic relationships of nonaxenic filamentous cyanobacterial strains based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis

In order to determine the nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences of cyanobacteria originating from nonaxenic cultures, a cyanobacterium-specific oligonucleotide probe was developed to distinguish polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of the cyanobacterial rRNA operons from those resulting from amplification of contaminating bacteria. Using this screening method the 16S rRNA genes of four nonaxenic filamentous cyanobacterial strains belonging to the generaLeptolyngbya andOscillatoria were cloned and sequenced. For the genusLeptolyngbya, the 16S rRNA sequence of the axenic strain PCC 73110 was also determined. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on complete and partial sequences. The results show that the strainsLeptolyngbya foveolarum Komárek 1964/112,Leptolyngbya sp. VRUC 135 Albertano 1985/1, andLeptolyngbya boryanum PCC 73110 belong to the same cluster. StrainOscillatoria cf.corallinae SAG 8.92, which contains the rare photosynthetic pigment CU-phycoerythrin, is not closely related to other CU-phycoerythrin-containing cyanobacteria.Oscillatoria agardhii CYA 18, which is a representative of planktonicOscillatoria species that form toxic blooms in Norwegian inland waters, has no close relatives in the tree.     

The influence of Dworshak Dam on epilithic community metabolism in the Clearwater River, U.S.A.

Epilithic community metabolism was determined on a seasonal basis over two years in nonregulated and regulated reaches of the Clearwater River in northern Idaho, U.S.A. Metabolism was estimated using three, 12-liter recirculating chambers and the dissolved oxygen method, with parameters expressed as g O₂ m^?2 d^?1. In the nonregulated reach above the reservoir, gross community productivity (GCP) ranged from 0.8 to 3.2, community respiration (CR₂₄) from 0.3 to 1.2, and production/respiration (P/R) ratios from 1.2 to 3.3. Epilithic metabolism in the regulated reach immediately below the dam increased sharply; GCP ranged from 4.2 to 25.5, CR₂₄ from 1.9 to 9.7, and P/R ratios from 1.4 to 5.7. Increased primary production and respiration in the regulated reach was a result of extensive growth of an aquatic moss (Fontanalis neo-mexicanus). The influence of the dam on epilithic community metabolism was mitigated 2.5 km downstream of the dam due to the regulated North Fork of the Clearwater River (NFCR) merging with the larger, nonregulated Clearwater River. While the regulated Clearwater River below the confluence was somewhat affected by the regulated NFCR flows upstream, metabolism was similar to that found above the reservoir (GCP = 1.2 – 2.6, CR₂₄ = 0.6 – 1.3, and P/R = 1.4 – 2.2). This study demonstrates that while Dworshak Dam has altered both primary production and respiration directly below the dam, the placement of the dam only 2.5 km upstream from a nonregulated reach greatly mitigates its effects on stream metabolism downstream. %     

Development of blooms of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyclotella meneghiniana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nitzschia</Emphasis> spp. (Bacillariophyceae) in a shallow river and estimation of effective suppression flows

Diatom blooms in the middle reaches of the shallow, freshwater, Hunter River, Australia, are a frequent nuisance to river users. During a 4-year study, blooms of Cyclotella meneghiniana and Nitzschia spp. coincided with water temperatures above 23°C and flows below 400 Ml d⁻¹ that lasted for more than 12 days. Redundancy analysis showed that water temperature was positively related, and antecedent flow was negatively related, to the abundance of both taxa. Addition experiments indicated that nutrients are seldom limiting to growth. It is suggested that a combination of faster growth rates at higher temperatures and longer retention times at low flows allows bloom populations to develop. Simulation modelling showed that flow regulation and water extraction have decreased flows in the river during summer, and consequently have probably increased the number of diatom blooms. Environmental flows have been provided to the river, but are not sufficient to prevent blooms. Discharges required for bloom suppression are described.     

Seasonal algal succession and cultural eutrophication in a north temperate lake

A year-round study of the algal composition of a previously uninvestigated north temperate, dimictic lake revealed the abundance of many pollution-tolerant forms, including such toxin-producing blue-greens as Anabaena and Aphanizomenon. A significant hypolimnetic oxygen deficit (0.4 ppm, 3.5% saturation) in late summer and the rate of oxygen depletion from 1 August to 19 September (0.13 mg/ml/day) further indicate eutrophic conditions. Of the three groups considered in this study (Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta and Cyanophyta), the Cyanophyta were less diverse in terms of relative numbers of genera but produced the largest blooms. Chlorophyta had the greatest number of genera. Diatoms dominated in winter and spring, Chlorophyta in summer and fall and blue-greens in late summer, fall and winter. Spirogyra and Oscillatoria were the most ubiquitous members of the algal flora. Important perennials included Oscillatoria, Spirogyra, Closterium, Fragilaria, Meridion, Tabellaria and Cymbella. No unialgal blooms ever occurred. The accelerated rate of eutrophication in recent years is due primarily to excess nutrient loading resulting from input of raw domestic sewage. The completion of a sanitary sewer system is expected to alleviate the excessive nutrient loading and thereby slow the eutrophication process.     

Winter diatom blooms in a regulated river in South Korea: explanations based on evolutionary computation

1. An ecological model was developed using genetic programming (GP) to predict the time‐series dynamics of the diatom, Stephanodiscus hantzschii for the lower Nakdong River, South Korea. Eight years of weekly data showed the river to be hypertrophic (chl. a, 45.1 ± 4.19 μg L⁻¹, mean ± SE, n = 427), and S. hantzschii annually formed blooms during the winter to spring flow period (late November to March). 2. A simple non‐linear equation was created to produce a 3‐day sequential forecast of the species biovolume, by means of time series optimization genetic programming (TSOGP). Training data were used in conjunction with a GP algorithm utilizing 7 years of limnological variables (1995–2001). The model was validated by comparing its output with measurements for a specific year with severe blooms (1994). The model accurately predicted timing of the blooms although it slightly underestimated biovolume (training r² = 0.70, test r² = 0.78). The model consisted of the following variables: dam discharge and storage, water temperature, Secchi transparency, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, evaporation and silica concentration. 3. The application of a five‐way cross‐validation test suggested that GP was capable of developing models whose input variables were similar, although the data are randomly used for training. The similarity of input variable selection was approximately 51% between the best model and the top 20 candidate models out of 150 in total (based on both Root Mean Squared Error and the determination coefficients for the test data). 4. Genetic programming was able to determine the ecological importance of different environmental variables affecting the diatoms. A series of sensitivity analyses showed that water temperature was the most sensitive parameter. In addition, the optimal equation was sensitive to DO, Secchi transparency, dam discharge and silica concentration. The analyses thus identified likely causes of the proliferation of diatoms in ‘river‐reservoir hybrids’ (i.e. rivers which have the characteristics of a reservoir during the dry season). This result provides specific information about the bloom of S. hantzschii in river systems, as well as the applicability of inductive methods, such as evolutionary computation to river‐reservoir hybrid systems.     

九龙江西陂库区沉积物甲藻孢囊的分布

孢囊在甲藻的生活史中发挥重要作用,福建省九龙江从2009年起,暴发多次拟多甲藻水华事件。采用显微镜观察和单细胞PCR技术,对九龙江西陂库区2012—2013年不同月份沉积物中的甲藻孢囊进行种属判定,并对甲藻孢囊的分布及其影响因素进行分析。结果表明,西陂库区沉积物中的甲藻孢囊主要为拟多甲藻属,约占80%,其次为裸甲藻属,发现了2009年水华的优势种佩式拟多甲藻(Peridiniopsis penardii)孢囊。库区沉积物中甲藻孢囊的丰度在(13.7±1.2)—(105.2±8.3)个/g干重之间。多元相关分析结果显示甲藻孢囊的丰度与含水率呈现显著正相关性(P0.05),反映了甲藻孢囊沿水流方向逐渐积累。本研究结果填补了国内水库甲藻孢囊鉴定和萌发的研究空白,为九龙江甲藻水华的防治提供科学参考。     

Dynamics of phytoplankton in the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon

The characteristics of the phytoplankton crop in the centralregion of the Great Barrier Reef were analyzed through two annualcycles together with basic oceanographic parameters. Chlorophylla standing crop and primary production were size fractionatedinto nanoplankton and microplankton components. Community compositionwas determined using the Utermöhl settling technique andcommunity diversities estimated by the Shannon-Weaver equation.The data and analysis are the most comprehensive in existencefor the region, and the first detailed study since the 1928–29Great Barrier Reef expedition. A marked seasonal cycle was identified,contrary to most assumptions, closely associated with precipitationpatterns and nutrients introduced by land drainage. The regionwould rank as mesotrophic with some eutrophic areas in the innerreaches of the Lagoon. Oscillatoria spp. accounted for a largefraction of the majority of phytoplankton maxima and were inverselyrelated to diatom crop densities even under conditions favoringdiatom growth. Microplankton crop species diversities usuallydecreased during extended Oscillatoria blooms. The reduced diversitypersisted after the bloom suggesting that Oscillatoria spp.were the source of extracellular metabolites and/or decompositionproducts adversely influencing diatom microplankton.     

Trace Metal Concentration in a Temperate Freshwater Reservoir Seasonally Subjected to Blooms of Toxin-Producing Cyanobacteria

In situ interactions between cyanobacteria and metals were studied at Torrão reservoir (Tâmega River, North Portugal). The metal content of water and sediments from the reservoir was monitored monthly at Marco de Canaveses (seasonally subjected to toxic blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa) and upstream at Amarante (no blooms recorded), for 16 months. During the 16 months of the study period, M. aeruginosa bloomed twice at Marco de Canaveses, firstly forming a scum, and later with colonies scattered throughout the reservoir. Metals Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were analysed in the sediment and in the water column. Cu-binding ligands in water were also determined. When no blooms were taking place, average metal levels for water and sediment were not statistically different at both locations. Therefore, it was considered that the absence of cyanobacteria blooms at Amarante was not due to differences in metal content. When blooms were taking place at Marco de Canaveses, a significant increase of metal levels in the sediment occurred simultaneously. Sediment quality guidelines showed that during this period, Cu and Pb concentrations (32.3 and 43.2 mg kg^?1, respectively) were potentially toxic. However, quantification of the exchangeable metal fraction indicated that these metals were probably not bioavailable. Concentration of Cu-binding ligands in water was higher during the blooms, indicating that cyanobacteria are capable of changing the metal speciation in situ in a reservoir.     

The ecological effect of acid conditions and precipitation of hydrous metal oxides in a Rocky Mountain stream

Periphyton and benthic invertebrates assemblages were studied at the confluence of two Rocky Mountain streams, Deer Creek and the Snake River near Montezuma, Colorado. Upstream from the confluence the Snake River is acidic and enriched in dissolved trace metals, while Deer Creek is a typical Rocky Mountain stream. In the Snake River, downstream from the confluence, the pH increases and hydrous metal oxides precipitate and cover the streambed. The algal and benthic invertebrate communities in the upstream reaches of the Snake River and in Deer Creek were very different. A liverwort, Scapania undulata var. undulata, was abundant in the Snake River, and although periphyton were very sparse, there were as many benthic invertebrates as in Deer Creek. Downstream from the confleunce, the precipitation of hydrous metal oxides greatly decreased the abundance of periphyton and benthic invertebrates. This study shows that in streams metal precipitates covering the streambed may have a more deleterious effect on stream communities than high metal-ion activities.     

Deontostoma species from subantarctic coasts (Nematoda,Leptosomatidae)

The major cyanobacteria in Crawford Lake are benthic mat forming Lyngbya and Oscillatoria and not phytoplankton. The eutrophication of the lake has resulted in a decline in the mat forming cyanobacteria as inferred from palaeopigment analyses of the core from this lake. In previous palaeolimnological studies the concentrations of oxillaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll have been used as correlates with lake trophic levels. High concentration of oscillaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll were interpreted as indicating eutrophic conditions prevailed. Our results indicated that when Crawford Lake was most eutrophic little oscillaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll was produced. High values of ¹³C at the depth of 34–48 cm (1500–1760 A. D.) were related to a dense population of benthic Oscillatoria and Lyngbya living on the bottom of the lake during that period. The Oscillatoria and Lyngbya utilize bicarbonate as a source of inorganic carbon. Carbonate has a high ¹³C value. Very low ¹³C values were found at 0–7 cm (1955–1992 A. D.) in the Crawford sediment core at the time when phyto- plankton dominated the core. Phytoplankton are enriched in ¹²C by photosynthetic assimilation of CO₂.     

Emergence of toxic cyanobacterial species in the Ganga River,India, due to excessive nutrient loading

Despite of several efforts by the Government of India, pollution in National River Ganga is rising. The aim of the present study is to investigate the pollution in Ganga River in relation to appearance of toxic cyanobacterial strains. Jajmau area of Kanpur city is the industrial hub of Uttar Pradesh and is the main source of adding unwanted discharge into Ganga River. Water samples were randomly collected from the most polluted stretch of Ganga River (Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India). Samples were also collected from other major water of Uttar Pradesh to compare their water chemistry with Ganga River. Physico-chemical parameters of water bodies were estimated periodically for three years 2013–2015. Pearson product-mean correlation showed strong correlation between water parameters of sampling sites. Regression analysis showed seasonal variation in water parameters of Ganga River. Cyanobacteria prevalence in Ganga River was highest in May while lowest in August month. Fourteen cultivable cyanobacteria were isolated from Ganga River. Two new isolates, Oscillatoria sp. RBD01 and Leptolyngbya sp. RBD05 were found to be toxic and showed the presence of algal toxin (microcystin). Phylogenetic relatedness of toxic cyanobacterial isolates with their close homologues was established using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Microcystin content in water samples (extracellular release) and in cyanobacterial isolates (intracellular content) was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Ganga River was found to be positive for microcystin with concentration ≥2 ppb which is above the permissible limit of WHO. Toxic cyanobacteria Oscillatoria sp. RBD01 and Leptolyngbya sp. RBD05 showed the presence of 23 and 17 ppb of microcystin in cells. Growth of the toxic cyanobacteria Oscillatoria sp. RBD01 showed very strong correlation with phosphate (0.834) and nitrate (0.761) content of water. Toxic Oscillatoria sp. RBD01 growing in moderate combination of nitrate (16x) and phosphate (4x) showed optimum growth and protein content. Periodic assessment of water quality and monitoring of toxic cyanobacteria would be helpful in identification and regulation of toxins which are responsible for destroying its sanctity and making it unsafe for human consumption.     

FIRST RECORD OF OREOCHROMIS MACROCHIR (BOULENGER, 1912) (PISCES:CICHLIDAE) FROM THE LIMPOPO RIVER IN SOUTHERN AFRICA.

Summary

During 1973/74, Barbus poechii, Oreochromis macrochir, O. andersonii, Serranochromis angusticeps, S. codringtonii, S. robustus and S. thumbergi from the Okavango System were introduced into the Shashe Dam (Limpopo System, Botswana). These species are alien to the Limpopo System. A fish survey during September 1991 disclosed the presence of two specimens of the greenhead tilapia O. macrochir in a large natural pool in the Limpopo River 7 tan downstream from the Shashe/Limpopo confluence. In August 1992 another specimen was caught in this pool. It is surmised that the likely origin of these specimens is the Shashe Dam. There is a possibility that the greenhead tilapia may interbreed with the indigenous Mocambique tilapia O. mossambicus. Consequently the genetic integrity of O. mossambicus in the Limpopo River may become suspect. If the other alien species introduced into the Shashe Dam reach the Limpopo River, O. andersonii may also interbreed with O. mossambicus while the Serranochromis spp. could be detrimental for feeding relationships in the Limpopo River and its tributaries. The impact that B. poechii could have is uncertain but it does not appear to co-exist with the closely related B. trimaculatus of the Limpopo System. Eradication of O. macrochir in the Limpopo River is not practical. Further stocking of the Shashe Dam as well as other impoundments in the Limpopo System with alien fish species should be discouraged.     

Indirect effect of different fish communities on nutrient chlorophyll relationship in shallow hypertrophic water quality reservoirs

Effects of different fish communities on the proportion of different nitrogen and phosphorous forms and the amount of phytoplankton (chlorophyll a) were examined in two consecutive years (1992–1993) in three Hungarian shallow water reservoirs (Cassette and outer reservoir of the Kis–Balaton Water Protection System, and Marcali reservoir). Possible interactions between nutrient concentrations and the amount of phytoplankton in these reservoirs were also examined. Considerable differences in the proportions of different nutrient forms were observed between the three test sites, which could be explained by the presence of different fish stocks in these reservoirs. In the Cassette, the fish biomass necessary for a water quality improvement was around 50 kg ha⁻¹. Phytoplankton biomass was controlled by the zooplankton, consequently chlorophyll a concentrations decreased considerably, while those of dissolved nutrients significantly increased. In the outer reservoir, phytoplankton was controlled bottom-up, since the 250 kg ha⁻¹ fish biomass was larger than the critical value due to the high proportion of planktivorous species. Chlorophyll a concentrations were high, and nutrients were mainly in particulate form (in algal cells). In the Marcali reservoir, the recently introduced silver carp population could not control fully the phytoplankton. The biomass of phytoplankton decreased only slightly, while its composition changed considerably. Although biomanipulation with silver carp is suitable for ceasing cyanobacterial blooms, reduction of the amount of planktivorous fish seems to be a more adequate method for increasing water transparency, rather than introduction of phytoplankton feeding fish.