The composition, density and distribution of the zooplankton in Parakrama Samudra.

Abstract

Describes a zooplankton in March-April, 1980, consisting of rotifers and protozoans, mainly ciliates, and the virtual absence of crustacean zooplankton (apart from Diaphanosoma excisum and Phyllodiaptomus annae in a Ceratophyllum bed). Compared with a previous visit in August-September, 1979, the rotifers consisted of similar but fewer species, attained lower densities (c.20% with an overall density of 664 ind. l-1) and were uniformly distributed in time and space. The protozoans achieved higher densities than this, ranging from 958-4443 ind. l-1, with Lionotus sp. contributing most. The character of the zooplankton is discussed in relation to flushing rates, dilution, food availability and size-selective predation.-from Author