International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
2016, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part C
Occurrence and distribution of micro-crustaceans in cross river estuary, Niger delta region, Nigeria
Author(s): George Ubong Uwem, Okon Mercy Edet
Abstract: Present Studies were conducted on the occurrence and distribution of micro-crustaceans in Cross River Estuary, Nigeria between August and October, 2014. The study was aimed to determine the abundance and diversity of micro-crustaceans in the Estuary. A total of 145 individuals of micro-crustaceans belonging to ten (10) taxonomic groups (Copepods, Crustacean larva, Isopoda, Ostracoda, Euphausiids, Acartidae, Cladocera, Harpacticoida, Sinus larva, and Mysidacea) were recorded during the sampling period. The order of dominance followed the pattern: Copepods > Crustacean larva> Isopoda>Ostracoda> Euphausiids and Acartidae>Cladocera> Harpacticoida and Sinus larva>Mysidacea. Abundance was observed to be higher in surface water, with a total of 51 micro-crustaceans (35.17 %), followed by 48 micro-crustaceans in muddy shore (33.10 %) and lowest in sandy shore with 46 micro-crustaceans (31.72 %). The higher numerical abundance observed in the surface water compared to muddy and sandy bottom was linked to nature of feeding of micro-crustaceans and favorable ecological conditions in the surface water. There was no significant variation (
P<0.05) found in the occurrence and distribution of micro-crustaceans in the different strata. Ecological indices of Micro-crustaceans from Cross River Estuary showed that Margalef index (D) and Shannon-Weiner index (H) in the present study range between 2.01 to 3.42 with mean of 2.71 and a range of 2.01 to 2.08 with a mean of 2.05 respectively. Given their diversity, and thus ecological information on the status of micro-crustaceans in the Cross River system and their relative insensitivity to confounding effects of habitat, a continued exploration of the value of micro-crustacean as ecological indicators appears to be warranted. Their relative low habitat specificity may also indicate that their broader use as bio-indicators for various anthropogenic stressors should be investigated.
Pages: 209-213 | 1414 Views 137 DownloadsDownload Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
George Ubong Uwem, Okon Mercy Edet. Occurrence and distribution of micro-crustaceans in cross river estuary, Niger delta region, Nigeria. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2016;4(1):209-213.
