Protozoans and Other Micro Invertebrates Associated With Littoral Macrophytes of Few Wetlands of Magrahat II Block, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal

In wetlands, a well-developed macrophyte community provides shelter against predation for vulnerable prey species like microinvertebrates and fishes. Macrophytes are usually covered with epiphytes that are grazed upon by several invertebrates that are themselves an important fraction of the diet of many fishes and birds. The macrophyte of six different types of samples, i.e., Ipomoea sp., Eichornia sp., Lemna sp., Pistia sp., Salvinia sp. and Wolffia sp. from seven pond habitats of Magrahat II block at Diamond Harebour, West Bengal were collected. The collected macrophytes were vigorously rinsed and washed in distilled water and further sieved through 50 μm plankton net and the collections were preserved in 5% formaldehyde. The protozoa, rotifera and microcrustaceans, viz., cladocera, copepoda and ostracoda were recorded. A total of 20 species of protozoa, 6 species of Rotifera, 1 species of Cladocera, 1 species of Ostracoda, copepodite stages of Cyclopoida and Harpacticoida, nematodes and 10 species of desmids were recorded. Protozoans showed higher species diversity and abundance compared to other invertebrates during the investigation.