Seasonal dynamics of rotifers in relation to physical and chemical conditions of the river Yamuna (Delhi), India

Abstract

We examined the seasonal succession of the rotifer assemblages in the backwaters of the Delhi segment of the river Yamuna in relation to 18 physical–chemical variables across one year. These shallow, weedy, and perennial aquatic biotopes support a diverse and abundant zooplankton. A total of 89 rotifer species belonging to 34 genera and 18 families were recorded. Their seasonal dynamics were characterized by (i) maxima and minima in total densities during spring–early summer and winter, respectively; (ii) individual species reaching maximum and minimum densities during different seasons; and (iii) an absence of seasonal variation in species diversity. The relative importance of various physical and chemical factors in determining rotifer community structure and seasonal succession is evaluated and Pearson-product moment correlations between physical–chemical variates and rotifer densities are analyzed and discussed.