Seasonal succession of epipelic algae: A case study on a mesotrophic pond in a temperate climate.

Abstract

The seasonal succession of algal species in the epipelon of shallow, mesotrophic pond Bezednik (Czech Republic) with special attention to diatoms (particularly Sellaphora) is described. The composition of epipelic algal assemblages changed over time in both higher taxonomic groupings and species representations. Spring and autumn were characterized by a dominance of diatoms; euglenophytes had their maximum in June and cyanobacteria were typical for the summer season. The occurrence of algal species also correlated with water temperature. However, although the growth of some species was restricted to a particular month, other species or species complexes had more extended growth periods. The genus Sellaphora has been selected to demonstrate variation in temporal distribution within species complexes. © Czech Phycological Society.