EVALUATION OF ZOOPLANKTON DIVERSITY IN ECHARA RIVER, NIGERIA
| Main Authors: | Ude, E. F., Ugwu, L. L. C, Mgbenka, B. O. |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article Journal |
| Terbitan: |
, 2011
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://zenodo.org/record/1310725 |
Daftar Isi:
- Preliminary assessment of the zooplankton in Echara River was conducted from September 2006 to February 2008 to identify the major groups. Four groups (protozoans, rotifers, cladocerans and copepods) and 21 species were recorded. Cladocerans had the highest number of species (8), while rotifers and copepods each had 5 species. The least in terms of species diversity was protozoan. Each group differed significantly (P<0.01) from the other. There was non-significant interaction between rotifers, cladocerans and copepods. However, protozoan and nauplii showed significant (P<0.05) interactions. There was also significant difference (P<0.01) between the mean values of the groups in different locations. The assemblage appears potentially rich enough to support good growth of Fish at their larval stage when most fish depend on zooplankton as food. It was therefore concluded that the river has a potentially strong influence in the development of aquaculture, fisheries research and nutrition of the inhabitants of the State and its environs and can serve as a dependable resource pool for enhanced nutrition of the populace, fisheries development, teaching and research if the status is enhanced or at least maintained to conserve the fishery through adequate fisheries environmental management strategies.