Study of zooplankton community structure for aquaculture planning in Lony dam reservoir

Abstract

Zooplanktons form an important intermediary step in the grazing food chain in aquatic ecosystem. The qualitative analysis of zooplankton has shown that the rotifers, protozoans, cladocerans and copepods were the major components of its total bulk in lony dam. The maximum magnitude of zooplanktons abundance was found in summer months and minimum was noted in early monsoon months. The study includes 28 species of zooplanktons which shows its moderate bio-diversity. The remarkable seasonal changes of total zooplanktons at present water body were registered. The littoral stations had high zoo planktonic density than limnetic sites. The quantitative variability of zooplankton has high-lighted their mesotrophic nature. The mean maximum and minimum values of zooplanktons were recorded.