Melosira distans var. tenella and Eunotia zasuminensis, two poorly known planktonic diatoms in Finnish lakes

The occurrence and ecology of two poorly known planktonic diatoms, Melosira distans var. tenella (Nyg.) M.‐B. Florin and Eunotia zasuminensis (Cabejsz.) Körner in central Finland is discussed. Both species have their maximum in late summer when water temperature is > 15°C and they prefer slightly acid water (pH < 7), low conductivity (less than 4 mS/m) and a moderate degree of dystrophy with C.O.D. 10–20 mg O 2 /l and water colour 60–120 mg Pt/1. Melosira distans var. tenella was found in ca. 80% of the central Finnish lakes studied, but it is not reported in previously published papers. Eunotia zasuminensis is rarer, but is, however, recorded in at least 22 lakes in central Finland.