Investigations into the seasonality of cyclopoid (crustacean: copepoda) with regards to rainfall variations were carried out in Forcados river. Samples were collected by towing two plankton nets of 55µm and 100µm mush sizes at 5knots for 5 minutes behind an engine boat. Meterological station in Warri gave the rainfall data. Centigrade thermometer was used for measuring the surface water temperature. Results showed low temperature range (27.5ºC – 31.5ºC), while that of rainfall was high (25.8-602.6mm). Eleven cyclopoid species were identified and they exhibited seasonality due to rainfall variations. High numerical abundance was observed in rainy season months of June to September, with a peak in July. Thus seasonality in the tropics is due to rainfall variations.
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Volume
Page Range
93-98
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