Seasonal Distribution of some Cyclops in a Coastal River from Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

During an investigation into the seasonal distribution of cyclops from Warri river in Southwestern Nigeria, 9 species were identified namely: Thermocyclops neglectus, Halicyclops troglodytes, Microcyclops varicans, Eucyclops, Macrocyclops districtus and Oithona nana. The cyclops were found to be more abundant in the rainy season months of June to September, 1984. The occurrence of particularly Thermocyclops and Mesocyclops species which are known to be vectors of the guinea worm parasite is a key factor to watch in the current guinea worm eradication and vector control programmes in Nigeria.

Journal of Aquatic Sciences Volume 15, April 2000, pp. 31-34



KEY WORDS:

Cyclops, coastal river, guinea worm.