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Seasonal and vertical distribution of the ciliated protozoa and micrometazoa in Kaštela Bay (Central Adriatic)

Seasonal and vertical distribution of tintinnids, non-loricate ciliates and micrometazoa were studied in Kaštela Bay (central Adriatic Sea) throughout the 1995. The species composition of tintinnids and copepods were studied as well. Non-loricate ciliates were quantitatively best represented ciliated protozoa, whereas nauplii were the most numerous micrometazoa organisms. Temperature affected most of the distribution of micrometazoa component of zooplankton and that of non-loricate ciliates. Temperature dependent presence of individual size categories of non-loricate ciliates was also established. Apart from the interaction within microzooplankton groups, the biotic factors influence, such as that of phytoplankton, bacteria, nonpigmented nanoflagellates (NNF) and mesozoošlankton, was also discussed. Abundance of ciliates was controlled by both, food supply (phytoplankton and NNF) and micrometazoan grazing. The results point at the very complex trophic relationship within planktonic community, suggesting that microzooplankton could be important link between microbial food web and higher trophic level.

Ciliated protozoa; micrometazoa; seasonal distribution; verstical distribution; Adriatic Sea

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