Community structure of the microzoobenthos in Lake Suviana (Tusco‐Emilian Apennines)

Abstract

This study concerns the composition and distribution of the microzoobenthos in Lake Suviana (Tusco‐Emilian Apennines) with particular attention to the Protozoa. The microfauna, sampled monthly from October 1986 to September 1987, in two stations of this man‐made lake, was composed of nine zoological groups. Ciliophora, comprising 45 taxa, was the most important group and their maximum density was 358 ind. cm^‐2 in the profundal zone of the lake. Rhizopoda became the predominant group in November reaching a peak of 2097 ind. cm^‐2 due prevalently to the growth of Cochliopodium granulatum. Other groups, such as Nematoda and Rotifera, were also abundant in some periods. Moreover, there was a low number of species and individuals of the ciliate taxocoenosis of Lake Suviana in comparison with other lakes.

Key Words:

• Microzoobenthos
• Ciliated protozoa
• Man‐made lake