3.1 | Community OTU compositions
A total of 1,001 OTUs were observed after the clustering (Table S3). To
assess OTU compositional similarity, we conducted an nMDS analyses that
generated three clusters (Figure 2), each composed of different size
fraction communities according to our categorization: F1 (63 – 100 µm),
F2 (100 – 200 µm), and F3 (200 – 300 µm). The pattern was also clearly
observed from the total clustering OTU table (Table S3) that some OTUs
appeared/disappeared only in specific fractions. The cluster generated
by the largest size fraction (F3) was comprised by much more spread
points when compared to the other smaller fractions (Figure 2). Daytime
and nighttime communities were mixed in smaller fractions (F1 and F2)
but separated clearly in the largest size fraction community (F3).