Diversity,taxonomy and autecology of autochtonous epipelic cyanobacteria of the genus Komvophoron (Borziaceae,Oscillatoriales): a study on populations from the Czech Republic and British Isles

Epipelic cyanobacteria were studied in bottom sediments from ponds and lakes in the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic, covering a trophic gradient from deep, oligotrophic, glacial lakes to shallow, eutrophic, urban manmade ponds. Although many planktic species were observed, the most frequently occurring cyanobacteria were the motile filamentous genera Oscillatoria, Phormidium, Pseudanabaena and Komvophoron. These genera represent autochtonous epipelic assemblages, occurring in upper surface layers of the sediments throughout the year and exhibiting seasonal variation in their abundancy. The occurrence of individual Komvophoron species was influenced by sediment quality, particularly the proportions of fine mud and organic detritus. A new species Komvophoron hindakii sp. nov. is described. Morphological features, autecology and occurrence of all the Komvophoron-like morphospecies found are discussed.