Zooplanktonic communities in two water bodies of Lanja tahasil of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra state

Abstract

Some freshwater bodies from Lanja tahasil of Ratnagiri district have been studied to understand seasonal variations in Zooplanktonic communities during the year 2019-20. These inland water bodies are mostly used for irrigation purpose and some time for aquaculture by local farmers. In present investigation, reservoirs from village Khorninko and Vhel were studied to understand presence of zooplanktons and their role in maintaining ecological status of water body. Seasonal changes in these water bodies reveal a total of 73 zooplankton species mostly dominated by Rotifers like Keretalla troika and Brachionus species. Different species of crustaceans, such as Copepods, Cladocerans and Ostracods were recorded along with highly abundant Rotifer communities. Rich diversity and abundance of zooplankton in these water bodies indicates that these waters are still in good conditions and are suitable for irrigation and aquaculture purpose.