STUDIES ON THE BOTTOM MACRO-FAUNA OF RIHAND RESERVOIR (UTTAR-PRADESH)

Macro-benthos of Rihand reservoir (U.P.) was studied quantitatively as well as qualitatively. The group was mainly represented by dipteran l arvae and oligochaetes. High turbidity of water and silt deposition in reservoir were the causative factors for poor population of benthic c ommunity. Greater monsoon inflow and higher water level fluctuations a lso affected the benthos adversely. It is recommended not to stock ben thophagic fishes like common carp, mahseer and Puntius spp. in the res ervoir because they may not get adequate food in the ecosystem.