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

• Main Authors: Papa, Rey Donne S., Zafaralla, Macrina T.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: University Knowledge Digital Repository 2011
• Subjects: Eutrophication; Pseudodiaptomus brehmi; Sardinella tawilis; Tropical limnology; Volcanic lakes; Copepods; Rotifer
• Online Access: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/2411; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221676971_The_composition_diversity_and_community_dynamics_of_limnetic_zooplankton_in_a_tropical_caldera_lake_Lake_Taal_Philippines

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.