COMPARATIVE ABUNDANCE OF PHYTOPLANKTON, PERIPHYTON, EPIPELIC ALGAE AND SOME RELATED PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN 2 SHRIMP CULTURE PONDS

Numerical abundance of phytoplankton, periphyton and epipelic algae ha s been studied in an extensively managed (Pond 1) and in a semi-intens ively managed (Pond 2) shrimp culture brackishwater ponds at Koyra dur ing two shrimp growing seasons. Throughout the period of observation, the cell densities of primary producers i.e. phytoplankton, periphyton and epipelic algae were 21.3, 9643.89- and 19.89-fold, respectively h igher in Pond 2 than Pond 1. Navicula radiosa Kutz. was most abundant in Pond 2, Navicula sp., Cocconeis placentula Ehr. and Cymbella cistul a (Humprich) Grun. were also higher in Pond 2 than in Pond 1. This stu dy reveals that if the ponds are scientifically managed then higher pr oduction of shrimp is possible.