Seasonal fluctuations in the occurrence of Cladocera in the Mandovi-Zuari estuarine waters of Goa

Abstract

Annual fluctuations in environmental features were noticeable particularly in the concentration of salinity and nutrients. The cladocerans showed a wide range of salinity tolerance and exhibited positive correlation with chlorophyll a(r = 0.78). Evadne tergestina Claus and Penilia avirostris Dana were the 2 major species representing cladoceran population, the former being dominant (85.88%). Both the species were characterised by seasonality in distribution. Distribution patterns of each species in Indian coastal waters and their possible role as food source of pelagic fishes especially that of Indian mackerel are discussed.