The littoral rock fauna of three highland lakes in Tasmania

Abstract

The littoral rock fauna of Dove Lake, Lakes Sorell and Crescent comprise 14, 26 and 20 species respectively. Within each lake the fauna varies greatly from rock to rock, but in general, rocks resting on stick or leaf litter harbor more individuals than those on rocks or pebbles. Between lakes there is an increase in biomass and a shift from dominance by insects to dominance by non-insects with increasing trophic status. Community structure of the littoral rock fauna in these lakes is compared to that in some European lakes.