The benthic fauna of Lake Mikri Prespa

Abstract

A brief description of the benthic macrofauna in Lake Mikri Prespa is given. The species composition and abundance were determined. Emphasis was given to the spatial and temporal distribution of the oligochaetes, the most important benthic group in the lake. Four out of five oligochaete species were endemic and the influence of some significant environmental variables: depth, C:N ratio, substrate type and pH, was examined. Indications of a potential for interspecific competition for space between Psammoryctides subspecies and other benthic species were detected. © 1997 Kluwer Academic Publishers.