Pseudobalanion planctonicum (Ciliophora, Prostomatida): ecological significance of an algivorous nanociliate in a deep meso-eutrophic lake |
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Authors: | Muller Helga |
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Institution: | Limnological Institute, University of Konstanz PO Box 5560, D-7750 Konstanz, FRG |
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Abstract: | Pseudobalanion plancioracum was the most abundant ciliate speciesin the pelagic zone of Lake Constance, FRG, over a 3 year period.Annual averages accounted for 30, 35 and 43% of total ciliatenumbers in the uppermost 20 m of the water column in 1987, 1988and 1989 respectively. Highest cell numbers were observed inearly spring, simultaneously with the first phytoplankton maximum.The small ciliate (mean length 15 µm, mean cell volume1300 µm3) is a raptorial feeder and predominantly consumesphytoplankton. In laboratory cultures, P planctonicum grew wellon a diet of Rhodomonas sp. (Cryptophyceae). Maximum growthrates increased from 0.46 day1 at 5 5°C to 1.52 day1at 18.5° C, while temperatures above 21°C were lethal.Depending on food concentration, 0.24.4 Rhodomonas cellswere ingested per ciliate and hour. |
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