Spatio-temporal distribution of ostracod species in saline inland lakes (Mansfeld lake area; Central Germany)

Ostracods are a diverse group of microcrustaceans with a ubiquitous distribution in a wide array of aquatic habitats and are common constituents of lake sediments. Inferences on the temporal-spatial distribution of ostracod species is a prerequisite for reconstructions of palaeoenvironmental conditions. This requires a precise knowledge not only about ecological preferences and specific life histories, but also the understanding how (local) ecological parameters affect ostracod species assemblages (abundance and composition). Generally, these studies are rare and often characterized by an insufficient differentiation of living specimens from the total amount of valves of the modern population leading to uncertainties in species occurrences and diversity data. Modern ostracod populations were sampled from 12 water bodies within a relatively small study area (Mansfeld lake area, Central Germany). Physico-chemical parameters (temperature, oxygen content, conductivity, pH) were measured in situ and the uppermost 2 cm of sediment were collected in different seasons (April, June, September). Relative abundances of ostracods (living and dead), differentiated for adults and juveniles, were used for statistical analyses (Spearman‘s rank correlation, Canonical correspondence analysis, Cluster analyses, Fisher’s α), to investigate relationships between species distribution and environmental factors as well as to identify habitat similarities and ostracod species assemblages. In total, 27 ostracod species (20 living species) were identified. Majority of them are considered as very common (cosmopolitan) freshwater species. Only two species are usually known from brackish water (Cytheromorpha fuscata and Cyprideis torosa). This is the first confirmation of living C. torosa in German inland waters. The relative abundances of ostracods show strong fluctuations during the study period and differences in composition of the ostracod species assemblages between and within the water bodies. There are also strong differences between bio- and taphocoenoses. The measured physico-chemical parameters which are usually considered as most important drivers on ostracod species distribution do not contribute to explain the observed temporal-spatial distribution of the ostracod species. Differences in taphocoenoses show, that taphonomic processes can be very local and the sampling site, as well as the sampling time, is crucial. Biodiversity of ostracods is biased by sampling time, the variability of the ostracod assemblages between sampling month and the relationship between abundance of valves and living ostracods is not straightforward. Therefore, without precise knowledge of the ecological requirements of a species at a local scale, uncertainties may exist for the palaeoecological indication of a species.