Species-specific response of phytoplankton to zooplankton grazing in tropical eutrophic reservoirs

Abstract: Aim To test the hypothesis that zooplankton changes structure of phytoplankton in tropical reservoirs by reducing biomass algal species susceptible to herbivory. Methods We experimentally evaluated species-specific responses within eutrophic with different community northeastern Brazil. Water samples were collected from subsurface coastal regions Apipucos and Mundaú January/2012 November/2014, respectively, transported laboratory. The experiments performed Erlenmeyer flasks (1 liter) filled water sample sites maintained for five days laboratory conditions. Two treatments (1) presence native (2) without zooplankton. Results Zooplankton proved be an important factor, modifying community, especially reservoir. In this reservoir, we observed a significant reduction diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana, chlorophyte Chlamydomonas sp., increase Raphidiopsis raciborskii. C. meneghiniana R. raciborskii, while cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa increased their biomasses Conclusions These results show importance microalgae phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions food webs environments, as well support role fostering cyanobacterial growth maintain blooms.