Abstract:

Investigations of macrozoobenthos in the littoral zones of the Chaohu Lake were carried out twice in June and November of 2009.Altogether 33 species belonging to 9 families and 29 genera were recorded,in which oligochaetes and insectesa counted 79% of the total species.The mean density and biomass of macrozoobenthos were 506 ind./m2 and 11534 g/ m2,respectively.The study showed that the diversity of macrozoobenthos in the littoral zones of the Chaohu Lake decreased seriously because sensitive species (e.g.Stenothyra glabra,Alocinma longicornis) decreased or disappeared,while tolerance species (e.g.Branchiura sowerbyi,Bellamya sp.,Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri,Limnoperna lacustris) dominated in the littoral zone of the Chaohu Lake.We also found that substrate played an important role in structuring macrozoobenthic assemblages, and bank types also indirectly had effects on the composition and distribution of macrozoobenthos.The maximal density and biomass of macrozoobenthos were found in the clay and gravel substrate,respectively.Collectorgatherers and collectorfilters were the dominant functional feeding groups in the littoral zones of the Chaohu Lake.Based on the research,recovery and utilization propositions were made for macrozoobenthos in the littoral zones of the Chaohu Lake