Studies on functional response and prey selection using zooplankton in the anostracan Chirocephalus diaphanus Prevost, 1803

Freshwater cladocerans and rotifers were used as prey to study functional response and prey selection by adult females of Chirocephalus diaphanus under laboratory conditions. For functional response studies, we offered three rotifer species (Brachionus calyciflorus, B. patulus and Euchlanis dilatata) and three cladoceran species (Alona rectangula, Ceriodaphnia dubia and Moina macrocopa) at various densities ranging from 0.5 to 16 ind. ml^–1. We found increased zooplankton consumption with increasing prey density but beyond 4 ind ml^–1 cladocerans and 8 ind. ml^–1 rotifers, the number of animals eaten plateaued. In general, C. diaphanus consumed fewer large prey (cladocerans) and many more smaller zooplankton (rotifers). For prey selection experiments, we used B. calyciflrous, B. patulus, C. dubia and M. macrocopa, offered at the ratio of two rotifers: one cladoceran and at three prey densities (total zooplankton numbers: 3, 6 and 12 ind. ml^–1). Prey selectivity patterns followed the functional response trends. In general, regardless of prey types, with an increase in the available zooplankton, there was an increase in the number of prey consumed. At any given prey density, C. diaphanus consumed higher numbers of rotifers than cladocerans. Among the prey offered, B. patulus and M. macrocopa were positively selected. Results are discussed in light of possible control of zooplankton by anostracans in temporary ponds.     

The effect of Cyanophyta upon zooplankton in a eutrophic tropical lake (Lake Valencia,Venezuela)

The effect which Cyanophyta have upon the zooplankton varies according to the form of the alga (mucilaginous colonies or filaments) and its abundance. Periodical blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa were not detrimental for the zooplankton, in spite of the fact that copepods, cladocerans and rotifers consume small colonies. High concentrations of Lyngbya limnetica and Oscillatoria limnetica in Lake Valencia, Venezuela, proved to be inhibitory for cladocerans. A total absence of cladocerans was detected when filaments increased.     

The longitudinal distribution and community dynamics of zooplankton in a regulated large river: a case study of the Nakdong River (Korea)

The longitudinal distribution and seasonal dynamics of zooplankton were examined along a 200-km section of the middle to lower Nakdong River, Korea. Zooplankton was sampled twice a month from January 1995 to December 1997 at five sites in the main river channel. There was considerable longitudinal variation in total zooplankton abundance (ANOVA, p < 0.001). All major zooplankton groups (rotifers, cladocerans, copepodids and nauplii) increased significantly with distance downstream along the river. There also were statistically significant seasonal differences in zooplankton abundance at the sampling sites (ANOVA, p < 0.01). Zooplankton abundance was high in spring and fall and low in summer and winter. The seasonal pattern of rotifers was similar to that of total zooplankton. This reflected the fact that rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus, B. rubens, Keratella cochlearis and Polyarthra spp.) strongly dominated the zooplankton community at all locations. Among the macrozooplankton, small-bodied cladocerans (e.g. Bosmina spp.) dominated; the abundance of large-bodied cladocerans (e.g. Daphnia) was negligible (0–5 ind. l^–1). Among the environmental variables considered, partial residence time seemed to play the most important role in determining characteristics of the river zooplankton community.     

Interrelations between Microcystis and Cladocera in the highly Eutrophic Lake Kasumigaura,Japan

The zooplankton community in the highly eutrophic Lake Kasumigaura was investigated and its relation to a bloom of Microcystis was analyzed. The zooplankton community was dominated by small cladocerans, whose biomass and production became highest in summer, when Microcystis bloomed. The high cladoceran production is considered to depend on the production of colonial Microcystis, because the production of nannoplankton was apparently too low to ensure the cladoceran production. Microcystis cells were unsuitable as food for the cladocerans inhabiting Lake Kasumigaura, but became utilizable when decomposed. Decomposed Microcystis may be the main food for Cladocera in the lake in summer. High water temperatures occurring in summer probably promoted decomposition of the Microcystis, leading to increased production of the small cladocerans.     

Zooplankton dynamics in a gypsum karst lake and interrelation with the abiotic environment

Zooplankton species composition and abundance variation was studied in Lake Amvrakia, which is a deep, temperate, gypsum karst lake situated in the western Greece. The two year survey of zooplankton revealed 33 species (23 rotifers, five cladocerans, four copepods and one mollusc larva). The mean integrated abundance of the total zooplankton ranged between 83.6 and 442.7 ind. L⁻¹, with the higher density to be recorded in the surface 0–20 m layer. Small numbers of specimens of almost all species were found also in the hypoxic or anoxic hypolimnion. Copepods and especially the calanoid Eudiaptomus drieschi dominated the zooplankton community throughout the sampling period, followed by Dreissena polymorpha larvae, rotifers and cladocerans. Seasonal succession among the cladocerans and the most abundant rotifer species was observed. The concentration of chlorophyll-a was the most important factor for the variation of total zooplankton, as well as for the rotifers’ community. Dissolved oxygen affected copepods and cladocerans, water level correlated mainly with the molluscs larvae of D. polymorpha, while temperature influenced the variation of several rotifers, the cladoceran Diaphanosoma orghidani and the mollusc larvae. Negative correlation of conductivity with the cladoceran Daphnia cucullata and the copepods E. drieschi and Macrocyclops albidus was found. The differences in species composition found in Lake Amvrakia in comparison to the nearby lakes are probably ought to the geographical isolation and perhaps to its particular chemistry (e.g., elevated conductivity).     

Relationship between feeding of blueback herring and the zooplankton community of a Texas reservoir

Following the introduction of blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), we examined herring food habits and the crustacean zooplankton community in Lake Theo, a 30-hectare reservoir located on a tributary of the Red River in north Texas. Prior to the introduction in spring, 1982, the reservoir contained an established fish community dominated by centrarchids. Blueback herring stomachs and zooplankton were sampled quarterly from summer, 1982 through winter, 1985. Cladocerans accounted for 89.4% of the zooplankton consumed by herring. Median lengths of cladocerans and copepods in the herring diet were significantly greater than those in the reservoir. No appreciable changes in lengths of cladocerans and copepods in the reservoir were observed after blueback herring introduction, but the zooplankton community shifted from cladoceran to copepod domination.     

Consumption of zooplanktonic organisms by Astyanax fasciatus Cuvier, 1819 (Osteichthyes,Characidae) in Lobo (Broa) reservoir,São Carlos,SP, Brazil

The consumption of zooplanktonic organisms by young and adult fish of Astyanax fasciatus in Lobo Reservoir was studied from October 1978 to September 1979 by analysing the abundance of zooplankton in the gut of fishes and relating it to the variation of the zooplankton community in the lake. To analyse the diet the following methods were used: numeric frequency of occurrence, and frequency rate. Astyanax fasciatus showed a large spectrum of feeding. The young stage feeds mainly on zooplankton and macroinvertebrates (insect larvae) but the adults also consume algae and detritus. Even in relation to the zooplankton the young stage showed a food preference different from that of the adults, selecting copepods over cladocerans, while the adults consumed more cladocerans.     

Zooplankton dynamics in the upstream part of Stratos reservoir (Greece)

The investigation of the zooplankton community in the upstream part of Stratos reservoir during a 24 months survey (September 2004–August 2006) revealed 26 invertebrate species (14 rotifers, 6 cladocerans, 5 copepods and one mollusk larva). The mean abundance of the total zooplankton was higher in the first sampling period (2004–2005) and ranged between 8.81 and 47.74 ind. L⁻¹, than the second period (2005–2006) when fluctuated between 1.91 and 43.09 ind. L⁻¹. The seasonal variation was strongly influenced by the presence of rotifers, which accounting on average for 68.4% in total. Among them Keratella cochlearis and the order Bdelloidea were numerically the most important, while Macrocyclops albidus prevailed among the copepods and Bosmina longirostris among the cladocerans. Dreissena polymorpha was the only mollusk found in the zooplankton community. Rotifers, copepods and cladocerans showed a seasonal succession with the former preceding in the abundance having their first maximum in spring, while copepods and cladocerans followed, having peaks of abundance in early summer and in autumn, respectively. No seasonal succession among the cladoceran species was observed. The intense water flow in the upstream part of the reservoir, as well as temperature, conductivity, DO, pH, phosphates and silicates, were significant parameters controlling abiotic and biotic elements of the ecosystem and consequently influencing the seasonal variation and the dynamics of the zooplankton community.     

Zooplankton community structure driven by vertebrate and invertebrate predators

Summary A zooplankton community was established in outdoor experimental ponds, into which a vertebrate predator (topmouth gudgeon: Pseudorasbora parva) and/or an invertebrate predator (phantom midge larva: Chaoborus flavicans) were introduced and their predation effects on the zooplankton community structure were evaluated. In the ponds which had Chaoborus but not fish, small- and medium-sized cladocerans and calanoid copepods were eliminated while rotifers became abundant. A large-sized cladoceran Daphnia longispina, whose juveniles had high helmets and long tailspines as anti-predator devices, escaped from Chaoborus predation and increased. In the ponds which had fish but not Chaoborus, the large-sized Daphnia was selectively predated by the fish while small-and medium-sized cladocerans and calanoid copepods predominated. In the ponds containing both Chaoborus and fish, the fish reduced the late instar larvae (III and IV) of Chaoborus but increased the early instar larvae (I and II). Small- and large-sized cladocerans were scarcely found. The former might have been eliminated by predation of the early instar larvae of Chaoborus, while the latter was probably predated by fish. Consequently, the medium-sized cladocerans, which may have succeeded in escaping from both types of predator, appeared abundantly. The results suggest that various combinations of vertebrate and invertebrate predators are able to drive various kinds of zooplankton community structure.     

Zooplankton crustaceans of ephemeral waterbodies on the territory of various natural zones in Saratov oblast

The zooplankton of ephemeral waterbodies of Saratov oblast is represented by 68 species of crustaceans: 9 fairy shrimps, 25 cladocerans, 10 calanoids, and 24 cyclopoids. Regional and local patterns of high species diversity in the zooplankton of ephemeral waterbodies are discussed. The specificity of crustacean species composition in ephemeral waterbodies of intrazonal forest-steppe landscapes of the valley river basin of the Don River and of the steppes and desert steppes of Zavolzhye is shown. The number of crustacean species in the zooplankton increases from the northwest to southeast in all ephemeral waterbodies of forest-steppe (33 species), steppe (39), and desert steppe (52) zones. The impact of irrigation systems on the formation of zooplankton species composition in ephemeral waterbodies was established.     

Morphological variation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Keratella cochlearis</Emphasis> (Gosse) in Myanmar (Burma) in relation to zooplankton community structure

Keratella cochlearis was present in 27 of 35 water bodies sampled in Myanmar, and was the most abundant rotifer in 10. Measurements of lorica length and posterior spine length from 20 localities showed that posterior spine length varied both with lorica length and with the composition of the crustacean zooplankton. Long spines were associated with dominance by Heliodiaptomus. The shortest spines were found in samples dominated by cladocerans or cyclopoid copepods. Posterior spine length was positively correlated with the number of diaptomid copepods. Forms without posterior spines were found in 17 localities. The lorica lengths of these spineless forms were generally similar to those of co-occurring spined forms (r = 0.68), but in a few samples the loricas of the spineless forms were significantly larger. These larger forms are similar to the ‘aspina’ forms recently recognised in the River Thames in England. These samples were dominated by cladocerans or cyclopoid copepods. In one locality spineless forms were found without spined forms. The crustacean zooplankton in this locality was also dominated by cladocerans. Guest editors: S. S. S. Sarma, R. D. Gulati, R. L. Wallace, S. Nandini, H. J. Dumont & R. Rico-Martínez Advances in Rotifer Research     

A comparison between predation effects on zooplankton communities by Neomysis and Chaoborus

Community level effects of predation by two invertebrate predators, the opossum shrimp (Neomysis intermedia), and the larva of the phantom midge (Chaoborus flavicans) were studied and compared. N. intermedia appeared abundantly in the shallow eutrophic Lake Kasumigaura and had a significant impact on the zooplankton community. The predation pressure by Neomysis was highest on cladocerans, followed by rotifers, and finally copepods. At high densities (maximum nearly 20 000 individuals m^–2), Neomysis excluded almost all cladocerans, rotifers and copepods from the lake.Zooplankton communities were established in experimental ponds, into which C. flavicans was introduced. The predator's density was around 1 individual l^–1, and was probably controled by cannibalism. Although Chaoborus larvae feed on various zooplankton species, their predation impact on zooplankton populations was markedly selective. They eliminated medium- and small-sized cladocerans and calanoid copepods from the ponds, but rotifers increased.Although the feeding selectivities of Neomysis and Chaoborus individuals were similar, the predation effects on zooplankton communities by the two predators were different.     

Direct and indirect impacts of predation by fish on the zooplankton community: an experimental analysis using tanks

The impact of Pseudorasbora parva, a common zooplanktivorous fish species in Japan, on a zooplankton community was analyzed in experimental tanks, half of which were stocked with the fish. Different zooplankton species showed different responses to the introduction of the fish. In the presence of the fish, the populations of the large cladoceran Ceriodaphnia and the predatory copepod Mesocyclops were reduced, but the population of the herbivorous copepod Eodiaptomus and the small cladocerans Bosmina fatalis and Bosminopsis deitersi increased relative to the controls. The increase of Mesocyclops seen in the control tanks might have suppressed the populations of the small cladocerans, which are vulnerable to invertebrate predation. The results suggest that the population densities of the large prey items preferred by the fish, Ceriodaphnia and Mesocyclops, were controlled directly by fish predation, but the population densities of the smaller and less preferred zooplankton were controlled indirectly through the food-web cascade.     

Planktivory in the changing Lake Huron zooplankton community: Bythotrephes consumption exceeds that of Mysis and fish

1. Oligotrophic lakes are generally dominated by calanoid copepods because of their competitive advantage over cladocerans at low prey densities. Planktivory also can alter zooplankton community structure. We sought to understand the role of planktivory in driving recent changes to the zooplankton community of Lake Huron, a large oligotrophic lake on the border of Canada and the United States. We tested the hypothesis that excessive predation by fish (rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax, bloater Coregonus hoyi) and invertebrates (Mysis relicta, Bythotrephes longimanus) had driven observed declines in cladoceran and cyclopoid copepod biomass between 2002 and 2007. 2. We used a field sampling and bioenergetics modelling approach to generate estimates of daily consumption by planktivores at two 91‐m depth sites in northern Lake Huron, U.S.A., for each month, May–October 2007. Daily consumption was compared to daily zooplankton production. 3. Bythotrephes was the dominant planktivore and estimated to have eaten 78% of all zooplankton consumed. Bythotrephes consumption exceeded total zooplankton production between July and October. Mysis consumed 19% of all the zooplankton consumed and exceeded zooplankton production in October. Consumption by fish was relatively unimportant – eating only 3% of all zooplankton consumed. 4. Because Bythotrephes was so important, we explored other consumption estimation methods that predict lower Bythotrephes consumption. Under this scenario, Mysis was the most important planktivore, and Bythotrephes consumption exceeded zooplankton production only in August. 5. Our results provide no support for the hypothesis that excessive fish consumption directly contributed to the decline of cladocerans and cyclopoid copepods in Lake Huron. Rather, they highlight the importance of invertebrate planktivores in structuring zooplankton communities, especially for those foods webs that have both Bythotrephes and Mysis. Together, these species occupy the epi‐, meta‐ and hypolimnion, leaving limited refuge for zooplankton prey.     

Combined effects of fish and macroinvertebrate predation on zooplankton in a littoral mesocosm experiment

Whether macrophytes offer an effective refuge for zooplankton in all shallow lakes is subject to debate. To explore potential constraints between different predator threats and the related habitat choice by zooplankton, we conducted a mesocosm experiment in 12 large-sized pools mimicking the nearshore environment with part of its length being covered by submersed macrophytes (Egeria densa) and holding a mixed zooplankton community. Four treatments were used: (i) young zooplanktivorous fish (3 silverside, Odontesthes bonariensis) in the “open-water” zone; (ii) macroinvertebrate predator (31 grass shrimp, Palaemonetes argentinus) in the vegetated zone; (iii) both, fish in the open-water and shrimp in the vegetated zones; and (iv) control with no predators. Our results show specific effects of each predator on the abundance, composition, and size of cladocerans. Regarding distribution, in control and shrimp mesocosms, no differences were found between the two zones, while cladocerans were clearly more abundant in the vegetated side in the presence of fish. When both fish and shrimp were present, cladocerans preferred the vegetated zone too, but in a smaller proportion, and their abundance was less. The presence of predatory macroinvertebrates in vegetated littoral zone reduces the refuge value of this habitat, at least for cladocerans.

     

The efficacy of Scenedesmus morphology as a defense mechanism against grazing by selected species of rotifers and cladocerans

Phytoplankton often develop various defense mechanisms in response to zooplankton grazing, such as spines and colonies. While it is now known that increased spine length and cells in a colony of members of the genus Scenedesmus, when zooplankton grazing is intense, helps in reducing zooplankton filtering rates, the effect of these defense mechanisms at the population level has been observed in few studies. Here we present data on the growth rates of four zooplankton species, Brachionus calyciflorus, B. patulus, Ceriodaphnia dubia and Daphnia pulex at two food levels using two species of colony-forming Scenedesmus spp.: S. acutus (cell length = 18.2 ± 0.4 µm; width = 4.2 ± 0.1 µm; average colony length = 90 µm; width: 21 µm) and S. quadricauda (cell length: 21 ± 0.5 width 7.5 ± 0.3 µm; average colony length: 84 µm; width: 30 µm). Whereas S. acutus had no spines, S. quadricauda had spines of 6–10 µm. Population growth experiments of the test rotifers and cladocerans were conducted in 100 ml containers with 50 ml of the medium with test algae. Algae concentrations used were: 13 and 52 mg dw l^–1 of each of the two algal species offered in colonial forms. We used an initial inoculation zooplankter density of 1 ind. ml^–1 for either of the rotifer species and 0.2 ind. ml^–1 for either of the cladoceran species. In all, we had 64 test containers (4 test species of zooplankton × 2 test species of algae × 2 algal densities × 4 replicates). We found a significant effect of algal size on the growth rates of all the four tested species of zooplankton. The population growth rates of zooplankton ranged from –0.58 to 0.66 and were significantly higher on diet of S. acutus than of S. quadricauda. Thus, our study confirms that the larger colony size and the formation of spines in S. quadricauda were effective defenses against grazing by both rotifers and smaller sized cladoceran Ceriodaphnia dubia but that larger-bodied Daphnia pulex could exploit both the algal populations equally.     

Quantitative development of zooplankton in waterbodies and watercourses of the Great Lakes Depression (Mongolia)

The indices of the zooplankton of various waterbodies and watercourses of the Great Lakes Depression (Mongolia) are analyzed. The maximum quantity of zooplankton is registered in freshwater bodies. Irrespective of the waterbody type, the greatest number and biomass of zooplankton are recorded in the littoral zone, where communities are characterized by a high abundance of rotifers, including the indicator species of eutrophic waters. This indicates a high degree of organic load from the catchment area. In comparison with the data obtained by the end of 1970s, the zooplankton biomass decreased with a concomitant increases in the shares of rotifers and cladocerans. These changes are most pronounced in the freshwater ecosystem. The quantitative development of the zooplankton of watercourses depends on the character of the river head, the location of sampling stations along the watercourse’s channel, and the water current velocity.     

The role of macroinvertebrates and fish in regulating the provision by macrophytes of refugia for zooplankton in a warm temperate shallow lake

1. The zooplankton often undergoes diel horizontal migration (DHM) from the open water to the littoral of shallow lakes, thus avoiding predators in the former. This behaviour has functional impacts within the lake, as it enhances zooplankton survival, increases their control of phytoplankton and tends to stabilise the clear water state. However, most of the evidence supporting this migration pattern comes from cold north temperate lakes, and more evidence from tropical and subtropical areas, as well as from southern temperate areas, is needed. 2. We conducted a field study of the diel horizontal and vertical migration of zooplankton, and the horizontal distribution of potential predatory macroinvertebrates and fish, over two consecutive days in the summer in a temperate lake in the southern hemisphere. We took zooplankton samples at two depths, at three sampling stations (inside beds of aquatic macrophytes, at their edge and in open water) along three transects running from the centre of a bed of Ceratophyllum demersum to open water. At each sampling station, we also took samples of macroinvertebrates and fish and measured physical and chemical environmental variables. 3. Zooplankton (pelagic cladocerans, calanoid copepods and rotifers) avoided the shore, probably because of the greater risk from predators there. Larger and more vulnerable cladocerans, such as Diaphanosoma brachyurum and Moina micrura, were two to four times more abundant in open water than at the edge of or inside beds of macrophytes, respectively, by both day and night. Less vulnerable zooplankton [i.e. of medium body size (Ceriodaphnia dubia) or with the ability to swim fast (calanoid copepods)] were distributed evenly between open water and the edge of the plant beds. Small zooplankton, Bosmina huaronensis and pelagic rotifers, showed an even distribution among the three sampling stations. Accordingly, no DHM of zooplankton occurred, although larger organisms migrated vertically inside C. demersum stands. 4. Macrophytes contained high densities of predatory macroinvertebrates and fish. The predator assemblage, composed of large‐bodied macroinvertebrates (including odonates and shrimps) and small littoral fish, was permanently associated with submerged macrophytes. None of these groups moved outside the plant beds or changed their population structure (fish) over the diel cycle. 5. Submerged macrophyte beds do not represent a refuge for zooplankton in lakes where predators are numerous among the plants, implying a weaker top‐down control of phytoplankton biomass by zooplankton and, consequently, a more turbid lake. The effectiveness of macrophytes as a refuge for zooplankton depends on the associated assemblage of predatory macroinvertebrates and fish among the plants.     

The plankton community of an acid blackwater South Carolina power plant impoundment

Robinson Impoundment, an acid blackwater system in the South Carolina sandhills, serves as a cooling pond for a 854 MW power plant. It is divided by a causeway into an upper and lower impoundment. The upper impoundment is narrow, shallow, exhibits higher flow, and much more periphytic and rooted aquatic macrophyte vegetation. The lower impoundment is wide and deep with many sandy shoreline areas and little macrophyte vegetation.The zooplankton and phytoplankton communities of both the lower and upper impoundment were investigated over a three-year period (1980–1982) in an effort to determine power plant discharge effects on the plankton. Primary productivity rates were low, characteristic of an oligotrophic system. The phytoplankton community was dominated by the Bacillariophyceae and Chlorophyceae in cell density and the Chlorophyceae in species richness. The zooplankton community was dominated numerically by copepods, rotifers, and cladocerans, respectively. Principal zooplankton species includedDiaptomus mississippiensis, Bosmina longirostris, Diaphanosoma brachyurum, Keratella americana, K. cochlearis, Pompholyx sulcata, andConochiloides coenobasis. The rotifers were dominant in species richness, while crustacean zooplankton species richness was usually quite low. Statistical analyses performed using phytoplankton and zooplankton population variables indicated that in most cases upper impoundment densities were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than lower impoundment densities which were likely a function of the lotic upper impoundment habitat. No significant differences were found between the discharge area and the rest of the lower impoundment stations suggesting that localized power plant discharge effects did not occur during the study. Peak midsummer thermal discharge (36.0 ° C) may have caused temporary reductions inD. mississippiensis and several rotifers. Thermal stimulation during summer may have caused population increases for the filter-feeding cladocerans,B. longirostris andD. brachyurum.     

Factors Influencing the Seasonal Phenology and Composition of Zooplankton Communities in Mountain Temporary Pools

In 2001 nine temporary pools of the northern Apennines (Italy) were visited on 13 occasions during the ice‐free season (May to October). The aims of this research were to define the relationships between hydroperiod and other environmental variables and the zooplankton. In total, 49 zooplankton taxa were identified: 36 rotifers, 5 cladocerans, 6 copepods and 2 anostracans. Our results indicate that hydroperiod is a major determinant affecting zooplankton species richness. The highest number of taxa was found in the pond having the longest duration. Distinctive species assemblages were observed in different habitat types: pools with the shortest hydroperiod were characterised by organisms with brief life cycles (e.g. rotifers) and/or typical of temporary habitat (e.g. anostracans). Of the physical and chemical characteristics, pH and chlorophyll‐a appeared to have the largest influence on zooplankton distribution in the studied pools. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)