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The taxonomy and seasonal population dynamics of some Magela Creek flood plain microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda)

Technical Memoranda 18
Julli ME
Supervising Scientist, 1986
ISSN 0810-9532
ISBN 0 644 01349 4

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The taxonomy and seasonal population dynamics of some Magela Creek flood plain microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) (PDF - 1,398 KB)

About this document

Six Magela Creek floodplain billabongs were sampled between September 1981 and January 1983 to determine the seasonal population dynamics of littoral and limnetic microcrustaceans. Thirty-seven cladoceran and four copepod species were identified amongst littoral weedbeds and several unidentified harpacticoid copepods and ostracods were also found. By comparison only 6 cladoceran and 4 copepod species were found in limnetic areas.

Littoral species generally attained their highest densities during the mid-Wet to Early-dry seasons. The number of open water species present in samples generally increased with the progression of the Dry season. Towards the end of the Dry season, a simplification of the limnetic species assemblage occurred in some billabongs, perhaps in response to adverse changes in water quality.

A guide to the cladoceran and copepod species found so far in the area is provided.