Rotifers of the Pitchavaram mangroves (Southeast Coast of India): A hydrobiological approach

Abstract

A total of 35 species of rotifers belonging to 17 genera were identified from the Pitchavaram mangroves. The genus Brachionus was numerically abundant and B. angularis, B. calyciflorus and B. forficula were the dominant species. Rotifer population showed two peaks with the maximum density during the mid postmonsoon and late summer seasons. Amongst different environmental parameters, atmospheric and surface water temperatures, pH and salinity were significantly correlated with the total rotifer population