Vertical distribution and abundance of Ceriodaphnia quadrangula (O. F. Muller) (Crustacea, Cladocera)

Summary Distribution and abundance of C. quadrangula (O. F. Muller) has been studied in two small lakes in the southern part ofthe English Lake District. Esthwaite Water (maximal depth 15 m) was sampled from 1958 to 1969 and Blelham Tarn (maximal depth 12 m) from 1961 to 1963. Samples in both lakes were taken with a 5‐1 water bottle at a fixed station in deep water. No difference in vertical distribution between day and night samples was observed. The majority of individuals were located below 7 m in Esthwaite Water and above 8 m in Blelham Tarn. The seasonal cycle in the open water was from May to December with maximal abundance in September and October. Males and ephippial females regularly appeared in early October, irrespective of population density, water‐temperature or the time of the overturn.