Abstract
SUMMARYObservations on the grazing of planktonic cyanobacteria (blue‐green algae) by the ciliate Nassula aurea Ehr. are described from three lakes in the English Lake District, Cumbria. Substantial declines in blooms of Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae f. gracile Ralphs ex Born, et Flah. due to feeding by N. aurea are documented from Esthwaite Water and Blelham Tarn. The differential grazing by Nassula only on certain cyanobacteria present in the lakes is discussed in relation to the production of cyanobacterial mucilage. Density‐dependent predator/prey relationships are considered together with the significance of grazing episodes on interannual variability of cyanobacterial Populations and their periodicity. A suctorian (Podophrya sp.) which parasitizes Nassula and a biflagellate fungus (Eurychasma sp.) which parasitizes the Podophrya are illustrated and briefly described.
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