Features of under-ice zooplankton in Lake Pleshcheyevo (Yaroslavl Region, Russia)

Abstract

In March 2019, we studied the taxonomic composition, vertical and horizontal distribution of under-ice zooplankton in Lake Pleshcheyevo and revealed that its quantity (abundance 11.5–13.8 thous.ind./m3, biomass <0.1 g/m3) was much lower than in the same season of 1980–1990. The cryophilic species Cyclops kolensis dominated among crustaceans. An increase in the share of representatives of the genus Synchaeta (12–27% of the total abundance of rotifers) was also noted. At the same time, previously dominant during the under-ice period Eudiaptomus graciloides demonstrated the reduced abundance.

Keywords

• deep lake
• climate change
• winter zooplankton
• taxonomic composition
• spatial distribution
• abundance
• biomass
• water temperature
• dissolved oxygen