Seasonality and functional traits of periphytic algae shape zooperiphyton colonization

We investigated the influence of seasonality and the phycoperiphyton on the colonization dynamics of zooperiphyton on artificial polyethylene terephthalate substrates in a tropical hypereutrophic reservoir. We tested the hypothesis that seasonal climatic conditions drive changes in zooperiphyton colonization and successional trajectories, with stronger effects on functional aspects of the community. In situ colonization studies lasting 28 days were conducted during two seasons. Substrates were sampled, and associated phycoperiphyton and zooperiphyton communities were identified and quantified, while environmental variables were measured to characterize the environment. Structural equation models were used to determine the effects of the phycoperiphyton on zooperiphyton. The zooperiphyton assemblage was composed of rotifers, ciliates, testate amoebae, insects, and nematodes. Rotifers exhibited the highest species richness, while ciliates dominated the community structure throughout both seasons. Epistylis plicatilis was the primary colonizer after 3 h in both seasons. Successional processes progressed more rapidly during the dry season, likely due to more stable, favorable abiotic conditions. In the rainy season, high rainfall and stalked algae influenced the zooperiphyton community. Furthermore, prostrate, stalked, and entangled algae influenced herbivores and predators. Our findings demonstrate that seasonal disturbances, such as rainfall, mediate the interactions between phycoperiphyton and zooperiphyton, thereby shaping the biofilm’s successional trajectory.