The microdistribution of epiphytes on the leaves of natural and artificial macrophytes

Abstract

The microdistribution of two diatoms (Cocconeis placentula, Eunotia spp.) and two epiphytic green algae (Coleochaete orbicularis and Coleochaete nitellarum) on leaves of Potamogeton richardsonii and on those of plastic aquarium plants was compared using a new “peel-off” technique. Differential colonization of the upper and underside of the leaves was much more evident on the living plants, which were characterized by a distinct CaCO₃ incrustation on their upper-side. The diatom preference for the edge of leaves appear to have a physical basis because it was equally pronounced on both natural and plastic leaves.