Composition and structure of planktonic and benthic communities as a basic information in fishpond culture

Abstract

Zooplankton and zoobenthos of two fishponds were studied in order to define their seasonal patterns and community structures. The ponds PI and P2, of similar depth and surface, were interconnected, annually fertilized and mostly utilized for grey mullet rearing. P2 was less eutrophic than PI which received further nutrient inputs from the surrounding cultivated area by means of a drainage canal. A total of 25 zooplanktonic species and 14 zoobenthic taxa was recorded, most of which were typical of eutrophic waters. The comparison of the invertebrate fauna between the two ponds showed a strong similarity in the qualitative composition and significant differences in density of some taxa and in the community structure. The results suggest that the analysis of these communities can be a good tool to monitor eutrophication in fishponds in the same way as observed in lakes, and could provide some basic information to improve fishpond management.