Preliminary investigation on the diversity of plankton and periphyton from a freshwater pond stocked with rohu, Labeorohita (Hamilton, 1822)

Abstract

A rapid study was performed to analyse the diversity of plankton and periphyton from a freshwater pond stocked with Labeo rohita (Hamilton), an Indian major carp. The pond was installed with bamboo substrates for periphyton growth. Diversity and richness of planktonic and periphytic communities were observed for six months. Results showed little difference in richness between plankton and periphyton in the pond, but percentage abundance of Bacillariophyceae was more on substrates than in water column. Shannon Wiener diversity and evenness values were also high for both plankton and periphyton. It was concluded that in presence of L. rohita, plankton and periphyton maintains indifferent algal richness and high Shannon Wiener diversity.