Diversity and ecology of rotifers in sadul branch of sirhind feeder, Hanumangarh (Rajasthan)

The Thar Desert is a desolated vast sandy stretch of inhospitable landscape. The ecology of this desert is characterized by harsh climatic conditions. For harnessing the harsh desert conditions, water is the most important component. To overcome adverse climatic conditions, the Sirhind Feeder was conceived in this region. Rotifers are one of the most important constituents of zooplankton community in fresh water ecosystem. These minute and delicate animals comprise an integral part in the aquatic food chain. Rotifers are hardy enough to tolerate extreme environmental conditions, features that place them in the class of best bioindicators of water quality. Present study was made to explore the diversity, density and ecology of rotifer fauna in sadul branch of Sirhind Feeder in Hanumangarh (29o5' to 30o6' north latitude and 74o3' to 75o3' east longitudes). The observations were made for a period of six months (January 2014 to June 2014). Physico-chemical conditions revealed that canal was shallow with turbid, well oxygenated, alkaline, hard and saline water. The study revealed the occurrence of seven species of rotifers represented by Keratella vulga, Keratella cochlearis, Brachionus bidentata, Brachionus calyciflorus, Filinia longiseta, Monostyla lunaris and Monostyla quadridentata. Rotifers were noted as peak population during the month of April (290 No./l)