Epipelic and epilithic algal flora of Karanlık Lake (Gümüşhane)

Epipelk and Epilithic Algal Flora of Karanlık Lake (Gümüşhane) In this study, the composition and density of the algae of Karanlık (Gümüşhane) Lake were investigated in the samples collected from different habitats (epipelic, epilithic) in two stations during the snow free period from August to October 2001 and July to October 2002. The flora consisted of 89 taxa belonging to Bacillariophyta (49), Chlorophyta (24), Cyanophyta (14) and Euglenophyta (2). Bacillariophyta was dominant in the algal flora. It was followed by Chlorophyta and Cyanophyta. Taxa of Euglenophyta were not significant in the algal flora. Pinnularia major, Surirella robusta var. splendida, Cymbella minuta were predominant taxa in the algal flora. The highest value Shannon- Weaver Diversity Index (H') was 2.979 in the epipelic flora. Epipelic and epilithic algal flora of Karanlık Lake were in accordance with those of oligotrophic alpine and arctic lakes of the Northern hemisphere. Key Words: Epipelic, Epilithic, Algal Flora, Karanlık Lake, High Mountain Lakes, Oligotrophic Lake VI