Resumen

GONZALEZ, Ernesto J et al. Zooplancton de dos embalses neotropicales con distintos estados tróficos. INCI [online]. 2002, vol.27, n.10, pp.551-558. ISSN 0378-1844.

Zooplankton group densities from two Venezuelan reservoirs, Pao-Cachinche (hypertrophic) and Taguaza (oligotrophic) were compared. Monthly zooplankton samples were collected at different depths from oxygenated layers in two localities of Pao-Cachinche reservoir and in one locality of Taguaza reservoir using a plankton net (77µm of mesh size) and preserved with formaldehyde 4%. A total of 28 zooplankton taxa were identified in Pao-Cachinche, with rotifers as the most diverse group, comprising 17 species. At the western part of the reservoir, where the outlet is located, zooplankton density varied between 305 ind.·l-1 and 1372 ind.·l-1; at the eastern part, it varied between 288 ind.·l-1 and 1239 ind.·l-1. Protozoans and rotifers dominated in both sampling stations, followed by copepods; cladocerans dominated only when Cyanobacteria decreased its abundance and Cryptophyta were the codominant group. Zooplankton density was higher when the water level was under the outlet level. On the other hand, at Taguaza reservoir, where Chlorophyta was the dominant phytoplankton group, a total of 19 taxa were identified, and rotifers were the most diverse group with 13 species. Zooplankton density varied between 44 ind.·l-1 and 150 ind.·l-1. Copepods and rotifers were the dominant groups during the whole study period. The zooplankton community in Taguaza could be limited by the scarce phytoplankton abundance and the presence of planktivorous fishes. In contrast, the resources availability in Pao-Cachinche could explain its higher zooplankton abundance.

Palabras clave : Embalses Neotropicales ; Estado Trófico ; Venezuela ; Zooplancton .