Eutrophic lakes are relatively shallow in depth. Oligotrophic lakes have fewer phosphates and nitrates present as nutrients leading to high levels of oxygen present and thereby these lakes are relatively suitable for aquatic organisms. Eutrophic lakes have nutrients like phosphates and nitrates in large quantities.
What lives in an oligotrophic lake?
Oligotrophic lakes are usually found in northern Minnesota and have deep clear water, rocky and sandy bottoms, and very little algae. The fish found in oligotrophic lakes like cold, high oxygenated water, examples include lake trout and whitefish (more information on fish).
Is an oligotrophic lake clear?
Oligotrophic lakes are generally deep and clear with little aquatic plant growth. These lakes maintain sufficient dissolved oxygen in the cool, deep bottom waters during late summer to support cold-water fish such as trout and whitefish.