Benthos of an Acid Lake

Abstract

Data on composition and distribution of the bottom fauna [Insects, Hydracarina, Oligochaeta, Diptera] in a very acid lake (pH 3.9-4.6) in western Sweden are reported. In comparison with 3 other lakes with higher pH values the fauna is low in abundance with few taxa represented. The benthos is most similar to that of a typically polyhumic reference lake. Molluscs and large crustaceans are missing but many chironomid species show little or no reduction in their distribution.