Rotifer occurrence in relation to age, depth and trophic state of quarry lakes

Abstract

An effect of age of quarry lakes on rotifer abundance and species composition has been evaluated. Rotifers occurred in all lakes under study. They were even found in the youngest (2 years of age) one, Rogoźnica 4, but both rotifer density and species richness were low there. Rotifer communities of much higher density and species diversity were noted in lakes only 4–6 years older. Lakes of over 30 years of age were strongly differentiated in rotifer numbers and species structure. In general, age of quarry lakes has an impact on rotifer communities only at the very beginning of the process of colonization. Several years later other factors become more important, e.g., depth or trophic state of the lakes.