A survey on the rotifer (Rotifera) fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico)

Taxonomic studies on the freshwater rotifers were conducted on samples coll ected from 12 localities in the south-central part of Quintana Roo State (Y ucatan peninsula, Mexico) during 1997. The water bodies sampled ranged from small cenotes (carstic deep circular sinkholes) to temporary and permanent lagoons. Data on selected physical and chemical variables of the waterbodi es were also obtained. We recorded 102 rotifer species of which 15 are new to the fauna of Mexico. These are: Eosphora anthadis, Eothinia carogaensis. Lecane aeganea, Lecane grandis, Lecane haliclysta, Lecane margarethae, Lec ane rugosa, Lecane sibina. Lecane spinulifera, Lecane uenoi, Lepadella donn eri, Lepadella heterostyla, Macrochaetus longipes, Proales daphnicola, and Ptygura tacita. In this study, we present illustrations of all new records and comments on selected taxa from a zoogeographical point of view.