First report of Macrochaetus sericus Thorpe, 1893 and Lecane tenuiseta Harring, 1914 (Rotifera: Monogononta) from Jammu waters (J&K), India

Abstract

Water bodies, apart from having aesthetic value, harbor a great diversity of both macro and microorganisms. Rotifers or wheel animalcules are cosmopolitan aquatic invertebrates that play a key role in aquatic food chain. Presently, two species of rotifers (Macrochaetus sericus & Lecane tenuiseta) have been recorded for the first time from Jammu. M. sericus is first record from Union territory of J&K while L. tenuiseta has already been reported from Kashmir. During the one year study period, M. sericus was observed in the plankton sample during the monsoon season while L. tenuiseta was collected from the periphytic zone during the winter season. M. sericus differed from related congeneric species by absence of anal segment and anal spines. L. tenuiseta is distinguished by its long separated claws and long toes. The first report of these two species from Jammu has further expanded their distributional ranges in the Indian subcontinent.