Understanding Phytoplankton And Zooplankton A Little Better

[Ozark_Basser]

My knowledge on both is pretty limited.  I know that shad use each as a food source, and that a steady wind will eventually push them both to a certain area of the lake in which the shad will follow.  Any information you guys want to add would be much appreciated, but I'll start with some questions to use as a good starting point, so you don't have to type as much. If you know any good links that would also be great. 

 

Does the cold weather kill them off?  I know that shad kills start around the 45 degree water temp range. Do phytoplankton and zooplankton die off at a higher temp? Do they die off at all? If they die off, what would the threadfin shad feed on due to the fact threadfins aren't bottom feeders like gizzard shad, or is that just large gizzard shad that feed on the bottom? 

 

 

Is there primary food source algae? How are algae blooms affected by weather?  It seems like I only see them in the spring and in random coves and sometimes in the backs of creeks.  What else do these plankton feed on, and what are the essential differences between phytoplankton and zooplankton?

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Phytoplankton is plant and zooplankton is animal both are bottom of the foodchain.without them you have a dead pond,lake,reservoir.some saltwater can become dead also ,,redtide is example

[WRB]

Phytoplankton is a plant that relies on sunlight, therefor raises toward the surface on clam sunny days. Threadfin shad feed exclusively on phytoplankton.

Zooplankton is a animal that feeds on protein and provides the food base for a wide variety of tiny animal eating critters. Gizzard shad feed primarily on zooplankton.

You can see both types of plankton as a greenish to brownish suspended cloud in the water.

Tom