Factors promoting persistence of the bloom-forming Gonyostomum semen in temperate lakes

The nuisance large flagellate Gonyostomum semen (Raphidophyceae) is typical for brown-water lakes in temperate and boreal regions. This study is focused on two annual cycles of G. semen in shallow temperate lakes (one of which stratifies) with a particular emphasis on the species’ ecology and its potential impact on the alternation of phytoplankton assemblages. Temperature and phosphorus were the main forces driving seasonal growth of the raphidophyte. G. semen occurred at a broad temperature range and prevailed for the extended period from spring to late autumn at maximum biovolume and forming up to 98.7% of total phytoplankton in June–July and/or September. The species exclusively dominated under phosphate-replete conditions and caused heavy blooms in the stratified lake. The species outcompeted other flagellates in the lakes; considerable fluctuations in phytoplankton species composition occurred during the periods at low G. semen biovolume.