Abstract
A floristic list of 89 freshwater phytoplanktonic algae occurring in two neighbouring, dystrophic, meromictic Tasmanian lakes is given. In both lakes the preponderance of desmids and phytoflagellates, especially chrysophytes, is a characteristic in keeping with their dystrophic nature. All the alga must be adapted to low levels of red light and some habitually inhabit crepuscular depths rather than executing diel vertical migrations such as happens in many dystrophic waters. Floristic differences between the two lakes are related to morphometric differences and the degree of entrainment of tychoplankton. The photosynthetic biomass of both lakes is predominantly monimolimnetic, made up of few species. The floristically-rich mixolimnion contributes little to biomass. The ecology of the dystrophic flora is discussed in relation to the special circumstances of meromixis.
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Croome, R.L., Tyler, P.A. Taxonomy and ecology of the phytoplankton of Lake Fidler and Sulphide Pool, meromictic Tasmanian lakes. Hydrobiologia 140, 135–141 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007566
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00007566