Factors involved in the distribution pattern of ciliates in the water column of a transparent alpine lake

J Plankton Res. 2011 Mar;33(3):535-540. doi: 10.1093/plankt/fbq106.

Abstract

The recurrent depth preference of three ciliate species (two prostomatids and one haptorid) in a transparent alpine lake indicates the existence of niche partitioning among them involving potential factors such as avoidance of high ultraviolet radiation levels and zooplankton predation, as well as competition for food resources.