Phytoplankton in an Amazonian flood-plain lake (Lago Batata, Brasil): diel variation and species strategies

Phytoplankton diel variations in an Amazonian flood-plain lake (Lago Batata) were studied quarterly for 1 year, according to the hydrometric level fluctuation of the Trombetas river (39.7–47.0 m over sea level), to which the lake is permanently connected. Hydrological and hydrographic conditions determined mixing patterns of the water column and phytoplankton distribution. When the lake is deep (>4.0 m), sparse phytoplankton communities are found at the bottom, by thermal discontinuities, and may remain so for a short duration (days). When the lake is shallow (