Ceratium in Lake Erken: vertical distribution, migration and form variation

External morphological features and growth characteristics of the dinoflagellates Ceratium hirundinella and C. furcoides were investigated in relation to the environmental conditions in Lake Erken. Three distinct population maxima were distinguished, one in June, one in July, and one in September. C. hirundinella dominated the spring and summer populations. C. furcoides was rare in June, but it continuously increased and composed ca. 18% of the Ceratium-cetts in the autumn. The size of a C. hirundinella decreased during the investigation period and a form with a long horn disappeared in June. Ceratium was most numerous during the warmer periods in summer when a distinct thermocline appeared and before the turnover period in September. The alga preferred depths down to 3 m where the blue light dominated and the following parametric magnitudes could be measured: oxygen contents >5 mg 1^-1, pH >7, HCO₃, >1.7 meq. · 1^-1, and a specific conductivity of ca. 250 mS · cm^-1. The algal growth periods displayed doubling times of 2.63 and 4.04 days at surface temperatures of 19°C and 15°C, respectively. The water transparency decreased 3.8 m when Ceratium reached cell densities of 13 individuals · ml^-1 (0–10 m depth). Its vertical migration demonstrated a dial rhythm with accumulation of cells in the surface waters during the day. Complicated patterns of surface avoidance occurred in clear weather and under wind stress.