Spatial and temporal variation of mesozooplankton community in Lake sihwa, Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal and spatial variability of taxonomic groups and major species of the mesozooplankton community in Lake Shihwa, Korea. Monthly collections were carried out at five stations in Lake Shihwa for a period of one year. The mesozooplankton community showed distinct seasonal variability with water temperature and salinity. Major mesozooplankton species in each seasonal community were derived from non-metric MDS and SIMPER as follows: winter community (Acartia hongi and Eurytemora pacifica), spring community (Acartia hudsonica and Polychaeta larvae), summer community (Acartia sinjiensis, Pavocalanus crassirostris, Evadne tergestina and Cirripedia nauplii) and fall community (Paracalanus indicus and Podon leuckarti). The succession of the seasonal species, A. hudsonica and A. sinjiensis, was the most remarkable event during the seasonal changes of the mesozooplankton community. The species response curve of these species fitted with the logistic regression in relation to water temperature and salinity. The curve also correctly represented the characteristics of the occurrence of A. hudsonica and A. sinjiensis in Lake Shihwa.