Species composition and distribution of ostracods (Crustacea, Ostracoda) in some lakes and lagoons (Kocaeli and Sakarya, Turkey)

Abstract

In the present study the community structure and diversity of ostracods were investigated seasonally in the water of the nine wetlands located in Sakarya and Kocaeli Province during September 2009-January 2010. As a result of the qualitative study, totally of 24 taxa belonging to 20 genera were recorded in nine wetlands. Among the ostracods species found at wetlands, Cosmopolitan species Darwinula stevensoni (8 wetlands) Cypria ophthalmica (8 wetlands) and Cypridopsis vidua (8 wetlands) were the most common species (88.8%) in nine wetlands, whereas, five species of ostracods (Candonopsis kingsleii, Tonnacypris lutaria, Potamocypris variegata, Sarscypridopsis aculeata and Plesiocypridopsis newtoni) were found only in one wetland. According to the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H') the highest diversity values determined in the Lake Kanligol (3.378) and Lake Kamis (3.38), whereas, the lowest values of the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’) was determined in Dalyan Lagoon (0.86).