Planktonic studies are very useful tool for assessment water quality in any type of water body. Physical and chemical parameters are studied to ascertain the health of water body. Phytoplankton constitute the first tropic level. They play an important role as food for herbivorous animals especially the fish.
Phytoplankton are autotrophic (self feeding components of the plankton community) and a part of ocean, seas and freshwater basin ecosystem. They are agents for “primary production” , the creation of organic compound from carbon dioxide dissolved in the water, a process that sustains the aquatic food web . |
Indian Glass fish ( Ambassis ranga)
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The Striped Snakehead ( Channa striata )
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Zooplankton act as a primary and secondary links in food chain. The zooplankton communities are influenced by biological interactions, predation and interspecific competition for food resources. Seasonal fluctuation of zooplankton is governed by abiotic and biotic factors.
Fine detritus (dead plankton) suspended in the pelagic zone is colonized by heterotrophic bacteria, which is then consumed by protists (ciliates and flagellates) and generalist grazers. The protists in turn are consumed by other protists or by copepods. |