The microstratification of the metalimnetic community in Lake Cisó was followed through the diel cycle by means of a fine sampler with syringes spaced at 3 cm intervals. Populations were sharply stratified. The uppermost part of the metalimnion was occupied by the rotifer Anuraeopsis fissa. Next, layers of the ciliate Coleps hirtus and the flagellate Cryptomonas phaseolus were found. Finally, purple sulfur bacteria appeared at the bottom part of the metalimnion. Although in lower abundances, characteristic populations of ciliates were found at each depth: Strombidium inhabited zones with oxygen, while Plagiopyla and Metopus lived at depths with sulfide. Several members of the community moved vertically about 20 cm during the diel cycle. Cryptomonas performed larger vertical migrations of 40 cm. This organism concentrated at the upper metalimnion during the day, and dispersed through the lower metalimnion during the night. At night, Cryptomonas lived in an environment without oxygen and with sulfide concentrations up to 0.6 mM. © 1991 Kluwer Academic Publishers

J.M.G., and J.G.-C. are recipients of fellowships from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. This work was supported by CAICYT grant 646/84 to R.G.

14 pages, 16 figures, 2 tables

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