Diversity of zooplankton in Dekhu reservoir from Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Abstract

Zooplanktons by their heterotrophic activity play a key role in the cycling of organic materials in aquatic ecosystems and are used as bioindicators of environmental quality. The present study was carried out from February 2009 to January 2010 which deals with diversity and abundance of zooplankton in Dekhu reservoir from Aurangabad district. A total 25 species of zooplankton were recorded in which rotifers were more abundant with 11 species followed by copepods and cladocerans 6 species each and 2 species of Ostracods. Results indicated that Dekhu reservoir is more productive.