Rotifers (Rotifera: Monogononta) Associated with Littoral Macrophyte Habitats in Flooded Neotropical Ponds: A Qualitative Study

Rotifers represent an important component of freshwater zooplankton. The high richness taxa, particularly in littoral macrophyte zones water bodies tropical and subtropical flood-prone areas, is a repeatedly reported fact. However, studies on the composition periphytic rotifers Neotropics are reduced almost non-existent some regions. A qualitative study (Monogononta) associated with aquatic vegetation their seasonal variation was carried out three ponds “Esteros de Camaguán Fauna Reserve” Venezuelan plains. For selection collection sites, two-stage stratified method proportional affixation used. Samples macrophytes them were taken zones. percentages occurrence numerical frequency calculated for each rotifer taxa. faunal similarities correlations within between same different climatic seasons estimated using Jaccard Spearman coefficients (α = 0.05), respectively. In total, 102 taxa 11 species identified. genus Taphrocampa two plus ten other new records Venezuela one South America. taxocenosis geographic distribution reflect typical total both planktonic assemblages similar. highest coincided rainy season lowest early season. fauna presented low similarity values according to seasonality and, exceptions, environments. importance sampling influence flood cycle, degree development structuring communities, confirmed.