The composition, diversity and community dynamics of limnetic zooplankton in a tropical caldera lake (Lake Taal, Philippines)

Issue Date

2-2011

Abstract

Limnetic zooplankton serve as a major food source for pelagic fish. This paper updates the species composition, diversity and community dynamics of limnetic zooplankton in the two basins of Lake Taal, an active caldera lake ecosystem. Samples obtained from January to December 2008 included 15 rotifer, six cladoceran and three copepod species. Eight species are new records for the lake. The zooplankton community is dominated by copepods, which contributed 64% to total abundance and 84% to total biomass. Diversity values for rotifers and cladocerans were low and similar in both lake basins. The composition, diversity and homogenous spatial distribution of zooplankton in Lake Taalis typical for tropical lakes with a high trophic state which may be a response to the prevailing conditions influenced by its location, geological origin and meteorological factors. © National University of Singapore.

Source or Periodical Title

Raffles Bulletin of Zoology

Volume

59

Issue

1

Page

1-7

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations, tables, graphs

Language

English

Subject

Eutrophication, Pseudodiaptomus brehmi, Sardinella tawilis, Tropical limnology, Volcanic lakes

Digital Copy

yes

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