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The distribution and ecology of the freshwater prawn Caridina singhalensis (Decapoda, Atyidae) endemic to Sri Lanka

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

John A. H. Benzie  and
P. K. De Silva
John A. H. Benzie
Affiliation:
Department of Population Biology, Research School of Biological Sciences, The Australian National University, PO Box 475, Canberra City, ACT 2601, Australia
P. K. De Silva
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Sri Lanka, Peradeniya Campus, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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Abstract

The distribution and microhabitat preference of the freshwater prawn, Caridina singhalensis, endemic to Sri Lanka, was determined. The species is now restricted to a 10–15 km stretch of the Behihul Oya headwaters, its distribution being determined by physiography and agricultural development.

Beds of Isolepis fluitans support some 76% of the adult population, at mean monthly densities of around 210 individuals m−2. Aponogeton jacobsenii beds and roots of marginal vegetation beneath overhanging banks support about 12% each, at mean monthly densities of 41 individuals m−2. The prawn produces young all year round but a peak in the number of ovigerous females occurs from September to January. Only juveniles produced after the rains appear to survive in great numbers. The submerged roots of marginal vegetation form a nursery area for about 45% of the annual output of young. Conservation plans for this endangered species need to take account of the particular importance of I. fluitans and root habitats to C. singhalensis.

Keywords

AtyidaeCaridinafreshwater ecologyprawn ecologySri Lankatropical rivers
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 4 , Issue 4 , November 1988 , pp. 347 - 359
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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