Taxonomic Study of Chroocophyceae (Cyanophyta) in Keenjhar Lake, Distt: Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan

11K.H. Lashari, G.A. Sahato, 1A.L. Korai and 2T.G. Kazi

1Department of Fresh Water Biology and Fisheries, University of Sindh, Jamshoro. 2Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh Jamshoro.

Abstract: Thirty three species of phytoplankton, blue green algae belonging to the class Chroocophyceae have been collected from various spot of Keenjhar Lake, District Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan from January 2003 to December 2005. They were taxonomically investigated and found to belong to one order, one family and nine genera. Aphanothece, Gloeothece was represented by single species; Chroococcus, Coelosphaerium and Gomphosphaeria by two, Aphanocapsa by four, Gloeocapsa by five, Merismopedia by six species, Microcystis exhibited the largest diversity with ten species.

Key words: Phytoplankton, Chroocophyceae, Keenjhar Lake

INTRODUCTION Boat basin of Keenjhar Lake. 3. Noori spot, centre of Lake. 4. Boating spot, the main boat basin of Keenjhar Lake is situated nearly at 120 km from Keenjhar Lake 5. Resting spot, the surrounding of Hyderabad, between 24, 47< N. Lat. and 68, 2< E. long Lake. 6. Khumbo spot, out let of Lake (Fig: 1) mostly [2, 20]. This Lake is 27.2 km long and covers an area of phytoplankton samples were collected using Planktonic 80 sq. km[20] and distance of 25 km (15 miles from net (mesh size 25µ). All the samples were preserved Thatta). 4% formalin solution to which a little glycerin was Phytoplankton play important role in aquatic food added. All the samples were completely observed under chain, they transfer energy from producer to tertiary microscope, semi permanent preparation in glycerin consumer, such as aquatic insect, larval fishes and was made and various dimensions were measured with some adult fishes. Phytoplanktons are recognized as the help of calibrated ocular micrometer. The important source of natural food for larval and adult Chroocophyceae (Cyanophyta) species were fishes. Cyanophyceae are almost universal in taxonomically determined with the help of standard distribution but their fluctuation and abundance depend literature [3,9,10,11,12,21,22,23,26,28]. upon their surrounding environment. A few studies have been made on the fresh water RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Cyanophytes of Karachi [8, 25]. However, some researchers who have worked on Cyanophyceae of Results: The following 33 identified species are Sindh [13,15,16,17,18,24] and N.W.F.P. [4,5,6,7]. systematically arranged according to the recently Twenty five species of blue green algae growing proposed classification. in the culture of rice fields of Kashmir were isolated [14] and 95 species were reported [1] from Punjab and Class Chroocophyceae: Unicellular, palmelloid or from Northern area Pakistan. Taxonomic study of colonial forms. Chroocophyceae (Cyanophyta) was carried out [27]. The present study aims to provide information on the Order Chroococcales: Cells loosely bounded in to taxonomy of Chroocophyceae (Cyanophyta) was gelatinous, irregular colony; reproduction by cell recorded for the first time from Keenjhar Lake. division or endospores; no exospores, nannocytes present. MATERIAL AND METHODS Family Chroococaceae: Cells mostly spherical, Six sampling stations were established in Keenjhar ellipsoidal, cylindrical, seldom spindle shaped, single or Lake 1. Sunheri spot, inlet water source from Kalri forming colonies; membrane thick, mucilaginous, often Bhaggar feeder through river Indus. 2. Helaya spot, lamellated, with an overall formation of amorphous,

Corresponding Author: Khalid Hussain Lashari, Mailing add: Department of Fresh Water Biology and Fisheries, University of Sindh Jamshoro. Sindh Pakistan. E-mail add: [email protected] Phone #: 022-2771681-90 Ex: 2025. 11 Res. J. Fisheries & Hydrobiol., 3(1): 11-21, 2008 mucilaginous mass; colony shapeless, spherical, envelope 8-12µ broad content mostly blue green, 2-4 ellipsoidal, tubular or hemispherical; cell division in rarely 8 together in oval to subglobose colonies, two or three directions, in elongated cells often only in colonies 25-41µ in diameter envelopes colorless or one direction, Transverse cells of many generations in brownish at the peripheries, lamellated or un lamellated a single parent sheath; multiplication by division, inside the colonies different. sometimes through nannocytes, spores with the firm membrane present in some genera, also planococci. Geographical distribution: India; Burma; Pakistan. Following genera were collected which may be distinguished as follows. Local distribution: Khumbo village out let of the Keenjhar Lake. Key to Genera: Remarks: The collection work was done June 2003 1. Cells single or few in colony------2. from Khumbo village out let of the Lake, which some 1. Cells many in a colony------7. times in running and some times in static position for 2. Cells in a mucilage with out or with few distinct definite time period. sheaths round the Individual cells------3. 2. Cells with the distinct individuals envelop colonial Genus Aphanocapsa Naeg: A globular, ovate or some mucilage not homogeneous------5. amorphous mass, gelatinous and free floating Plants 3. Cells loosely arranged forming macroscopic forming colonies of no definite shape, individual sheath colony ------4. not distinct, confluent with the colonial envelope, cells 3. Cells with colonies of definite shapes------spherical, often in Paris as a result of recent division ------Microcystis. content homogenous or recent division content 4. Cells spherical------Aphanocapsa. homogenous or fairly granular dark gray green to 4. Cells ellipsoidal to cylindrical------Aphanothece. bright blue green. 5. Individual sheaths vesicular, broad and formed one in another ------6. Key to species: 5. Individual sheaths not vesicular, cells spherical 1. Colonies spherical, ovaidal and irregular shaped, ------Chroococcus. gelatinous mass ------A. richteriana. 6. Cells with-out firm sheath------Gloeothece. 1. Colonies hemi-spherical------2. 6. Cells with sheath vascular & spherical ------2. Cells 5.6µ in diameter ------A. rivularis. ------Gloeocapsa. 2. Cells 3.2-6.5µ in diameter ------A. grevillei. 7. Colony with cells arranged in a tubular or cubical 2. Cells 1.5-2.5µ in diameter ------A. elachista. or three dimensional colonies ------8. 7. Colony a hollow sphere with cells arranged along Aphanocapsa elachista W. et G. S West var the margin uniformly------9. conferta: Desikachary[10] 8. Cells in regular transverse and longitudinal Colonies free floating, spherical, gelatinous mass; rows tabular or flat colonies ------cells spherical, solitary or in pairs, closely arranged in ------Merismopedia. gelatinous homogenous colonial matrix; individual 9. Cells spherical, colonical mucilage homogenous sheaths indistinct; cells content homogenous, pale blue ------Coelosphaerium. green; cells 1.5-2.5µ in diameter, colonies up to 150µ 9. Cells pear shaped on nearly spherical colonical in diameter. mucilage not homogenous cells with distinct mucilage sheaths ------Gomphosphaeria. Geographical Distribution: Bandra, Bombay Gonzalves and Joshi[28]; Rangoon in Burma[48]; Pakistan. Genus Gloeothece Nag: Cells cylindrical to ellipsoidal, straight or bent, not attenuated at the ends, but broadly Local Distribution: Sunheri village inlet water source rounded in small colonies or forming large thallus, from K. B. feeder through river Indus. division of the cells at right angle to the longitudinal axis, some time the daughter cells divided in all the Remarks: Recorded for the first time from Keenjhar three directions,; individual enclosed by a lamellate Lake. Collections were made from Sunheri village inlet mucilaginous and usually thick sheath. water source of the Lake during 2004. It occurred in massive quantity. Gloeothece rupestris (lyngb) Bornet: Desikachary[10]. Cells ellipsoidal and cylindrical, with-out envelope Aphanocapsa richteriana Heir: Tiffany & Britton, Alg. 4-5.5µ (6µ) broad, 3 times as long as broad, with of IIlion[51].

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Cells 2-3µ in diameter, spherical, scattered, blue Stratum soft, slimy gelatinous, dull blue green. green, homogenous or slightly granular; gelatinous Cells round, with-out sheath 3-4µ in diameter, single matrix hyaline, homogenous, and blue green in colour. and in two’s, less often in fours; sheaths slimy, scarcely visible, colour less; cell walls thin, hyaline; Geographical Distribution: Desikachary[10]; Pakistan. cells content homogenous, usually pale blue green.

Local distribution: Boating spot, the main boating Geographical Distribution: Myanmar; Elephant spot of Keenjhar Lake. point[50]; Kyauktaga, Pegu district[54]; Rangoon[48]; North India[53]; Pakistan. Remarks: It was collected during June 2004 from boating spot of Keenjhar Lake. Local Distribution: Helaya spot, the main boat basin of Keenjhar Lake. Aphanocapsa grevillei (Hass) Rabenh: Desikachary[10],; Prescott[41]. Remarks: The collection was carried out from Helaya Free floating, thallus gelatinous, spherical, cells spot of Keenjhar Lake during autumn of 2003. The pH spherical, 3.2-5.6µ in diameter cells in pair, in groups of water in Helaya spot, where from algae were of four crowded or solitary, evenly distributed through collected in localities depending upon their ecological colourless mucilage. condition, this species occurred singly, in pair or in groups of 2-4 cells. Geographical Distribution: Tank Andankulam near Trincomalie at Anuradhapura, Ceylon, Crow[9]. Chroococcus limneticus Lemm: Desikachary[10]. Plants floating free, colonies spherical, each colony Local Distribution: Resting spot surrounding of contains 4-32 cells; colonial sheath wide. Cells before Keenjhar Lake. division spherical, after division hemispherical with-out hyaline, not lamellate; cells content granular, greenish Remarks: The collection was carried out in different or pale blue green. month of 2003. In autumn season it occurred in immense quantity but in spring season cells were found Geographical Distribution: Beira Lake, Nuwarawewa in small size and also in low quantity. Lake and Gregory Lake in Ceylon[30]; Pakistan.

Aphanocapsa rivularis (Carm) Rabenh: Smith[49], hl Local Distribution: Noori spot, center of Keenjhar in Bull. Fan. Men. Inst. Biol.. Lake. Colonies hemispherical, almost spherical when free floating; gelatinous, often confluent, blue green; Remarks: It was collected during winter season of envelope thick, not lamellose, colourless. Cells 2004. Cells were found singly or in a group. Size of spherical small 5.6µ (6µ) in diameter loosely scattered, colonies different due the change of temperature, solitary or in pairs, cells content finely granular, blue localities and ecological condition. green. Geographical distribution: Desikachary[10], Pakistan. Genus Aphanothece Naeg: Cells ellipsoidal to cylindrical, straight, or slightly bent many in more or Local Distribution: Sunheri village, inlet water source less shapeless expanded thallus, mucilage homogenous, from K. B. feeder through river Indus. occasionally with lamellated individual envelops, often gelatinizing. Remarks: Recorded for the first time from Keenjhar Lake. Collections were made from Sunheri spot during Aphanothece castagnei (Breb). Rabenh: Prescott, Alg. July 2004. It occurred in immense quantity. Great. Western Lake Area[41]. Thallus gelatinous with-out any definite shape, Genus Chroococcus Naegeli: Plants spherical or hemi slimy blue green cells ellipsoidal to cylindrical 3-45µ spherical after division, with homogenous or lamellated broad and 4.5-9 m long, mostly densely arranged, blue individual sheaths which may be distinct from or as in green; sheath duffle, colour less or yellowish. Free most Planktonic species or confluent; with common floating forming scum on surface on ponds and lakes. mucilage; solitary or in very small colonies; colonies free floating or forming stratum in damp places. Geographical Distribution: Myanmar; Maymyo Island[27]; Rangoon[48]; India: Madurai[18]; Mumbai[28]; Chroococcus minor (Kutz) Nag: Smith, Fresh Water Singaperumal koil, Vandalur and Kodaikand; Algae U.S.[49]. Pakistan.

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Local Distribution: Noori spot, center of the Keenjhar found due to different ecological condition. The Lake. immense growth of this species was found in Khumbo spot out let of the Keenjhar Lake. Remarks: The collections were made from Noori spot center of the Lake during summer 2005. Microcystis holistica Lemmermann: Malaya: Kualalampur[5]; India: Calcutta[4], Pakistan. Genus Microcystis Kutzing: Cells spherical or Colonies spherical, cloth rate, margins of colonial elongated, many in spherical, ellipsoidal or irregularly mucilage well defined cells closely arranged 1µ in over- lapping or net-like colony, free swimming, often diameter, spherical with Gas Vacuoles blue green. with attached daughter colonies, cells in homogenous colour less, often diffluent, mucilage, individual Geographical Distribution: Tank Andankulam, near envelops absent, cells mostly very densely arranged, Trinconalee, Ceylon[9]; Pakistan. cell division in all directions, generally transverse in elongate cells; gas vacuoles often present. Local Distribution: Sunheri spot, in let water source from K. B. feeder through river Indus and Boating Key to Species: spot, main boating Basin of Keenjhar Lake.

1. Cells spherical------2. Remarks: The collections were made during April and 1. Cells elongated------3. October 2004 in free floating state. The specimens 2. Cells 6-9µ broad------M. robusta. collected in April were in free suspended condition 2. Cells mostly 3-7µ broad ------4. with huge cells size and in short mass. These obtained 3. Cells 0.8µ broad ------M. orissica. in October, with small cell size and in immense 3. Cells 2-4.5µ broad ------M. elabens. quantity. 4. Cells with gas vacuoles ------5. 4. Cells with-out gas vacuoles ------M. pulverea. Microcystis pulverea (Wood) Forti: Geilter, 5. Colony many time longer than broad ------6. Kryptogamflora, Pakistan. 5. Colony not many time longer than broad ------7. Colonies rounded to ellipsoidal, often many 6. Colony clathrate ------M. aeruginosa. together, limits of colonial mucilage distinct; cells 6. Colony not clathrate ------M. Flos-aquae. spherical or ellipsoidal, closely arranged 2-3µ broad, 7. Free swimming cells up to 1µ broad---M. holistica. blue-green or olive-green, with-out gas vacuoles. 7. Free swimming cells up to 2-3µ broad ------M. viridis. Geographical Distribution: Myanmar: Rangoon[48]; 8. Colonies irregular or spherical ------Srilanka: Colombo, Dambella[9]; Pakistan. ------M. Lamelliformis. 8. Colonies elongated or lob ate------M. wesenbergii. Local Distribution: Sunheri spot, in let water source from K. B. feeder through river Indus. Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz: Desikachary[10],; Prescott[41]. Remarks: It is being reported for the first time from Colonies when young or round slightly longer than Keenjhar Lake. The specimens were collected during broad, when old become cloth rate with distinct hyaline the month June and August 2003. It occurred in mucilage, cells 3-7µ in diameter spherical, generally immense quantity and in Planktonic state. with gas vacuoles. Microcystis flos-aquae (Wittr) Kirchnner: Geographical Distribution: Myanmar: Kolodyne valley Anacystis Cyanea (Kutz), Myanmar: Rangoon[48]. in Arracan[40,50]; Rangoon[25,26]; Malaya: Kualalampur[5]; Colonies roughly spherical, cells spherical, cell India: Calcutta[4]; Benaras[3]; Hyderabad; Srilanka: content blue green with conspicuous pseudo vacuoles. Colombo Lake[37]; Balawewa tank[9]; Pakistan[24,45]. Cells 3-7.5µ (6µ) in diameter. Fairly common plankton in still water. Local Distribution: Helaya spot, the main boat basin of the Lake. Boating spot, the main boat basin of the Geographical Distribution: Mayanmar[48]; India, Lake. Khumbo spot, out let of Keenjhar Lake. Mumbai[29]; Calcutta[2,6]; Madras[18]; Srilanka[9]; Pakistan.

Remarks: It was collected from three different station Local distribution: Resting spot, surrounding of the of Keenjhar Lake, during summer 2003 and 2004 in Keenjhar Lake. association with different algal genera like Oscillatoria, Remarks: It was collected during September which Anabaena etc. Slight morphological changes were occurred in bloom composition in immense quantity.

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Microcystis elabens (Breb.) kutz: In kutzing, Tab. Remarks: It was collected during May 2005 from phycologicae[33],; Forti in De Toni, sylloge Algarum[19]; boating spot of Keenjhar Lake. Fremy, Myxo. d’ Afr. equat Franc; Geitler, Kryptogamenflora; Fremy, Cyano. Cotes d’ Eur. Microcystis robusta (Clark) Nygaard: In Ostenfeld Colony spherical, or flat and expanding, blue green and Nygaard phytoplankton Gatun lakes, Panama- or olive-green, when old together with a number of Kanal, Dansk Bot. Ark., Geitler, Kryptogamenflora. daughter colonies; cells oblong, 2-4.5µ broad, (3-) 4- Colonies at first round, latter irregularly elongate 8.5µ long with gas vacuoles. and clathrate; sheath distinct, latter gelatinizing; cells 6-9µ diam; spherical, with-out gas vacuoles. Geographical Distribution: Loktak Lake, Assam[8]; Madras[21]; Pakistan. Geographical Distribution: India: Calcutta[4,2]; Madras; Malyan Lake[42]; Pakistan. Local Distribution: Helaya spot, the main boat basin of the Lake. Boating spot, the main boat basin of the Local Distribution: Noori spot, center of the Keenjhar Lake, Khumbo spot, out let of Keenjhar Lake. Lake.

Remarks: It was collected during May 2004 from Remarks: Collections were made during August and different spot of Keenjhar Lake. November 2005. Specimens collected during August (Rainy season) were in high quantity as well as in Microcystis Lamelliformis Holsinger: Holsinger, E. C. reproductive state, and those obtained during November T. The plankton algae of three Ceylon lakes, were in free floating, vegetative condition and in low Hydrobiologia. quantity. Colonies free floating, cells spherical, 3-4µ diameter, loosely aggregated, cells sheath well marked; Microcystis orissica West, W: West, G. S. and West, pseudo vacuoles numerous, small land more or less W. Description of new spp. of Algae etc, Journal rounded. Asiatic soc., Bengal, Geitler, Kryptogamenflora. Colony rounded or ellipsoidal, dull olive-green, Geographical Distribution: Beira Lake, Nuwarawewa, mostly 24-40µ broad, colonial mucilage distinct; cell tank, and lake Gregory in Ceylon[30]; Pakistan. short ellipsoidal, 0.8-0.9µ seldom up to 1.0µ broad, blue-green. Local Distribution: Resting spot, surrounding of the Lake and Helaya spot, the main boat basin of the Geographical Distribution: In the colonial mucilage Keenjhar Lake. of Bryozon, Pectinatella burmanica, Sur lake, Puri (west, loc. cit.); Pakistan. Remarks: It was collected from two spot of Keenjhar Lake during June-August 2005. It occurred in free Local Distribution: Sunheri spot, in let water source floating condition. Summer season was favorable for its from K. B. feeder through river Indus. growth. Remarks: Collection has been made from Sunheri spot Microcystis viridis (A. Br.) Lemm: Forti in De Toni, of Keenjhar Lake during May-July in 2004. It occurred sylloge Algarum[19], Lemmermann, Kryptogamenflora in immense quantity and free suspended state. Summer der Mark Brandenburg[38], Fremy, Cyano. Cotes d’ season was favorable for its growth. Eur.[17], Desikachary[10]. Colonies round or rectangular, consisting of a large Microcystis wesenbergii (Komarek): Komarek in number of partial or daughter colonies surrounded by Kondrateva, Cvetenie vody[32]. Basionym: Diplocyctis common mucilaginous sheath, margins of colonial wesenbergii Komarek in Komarek and Ettl, Algol. mucilage definite and highly refractive; cells 3-7µ in Study[32]. diameter; spherical with gas vacuoles. Colonies micro or macroscopic, rounded, elongates of lobate, frequently clathrate; mucilaginous hyaline, Geographical Distribution: Myanmar: Rangoon[48]; firm, not diffluent, well delimited, with refractive out India: Calcutta Banerji, Srilanka: Tank Nuwarawewa at line; cells spherical, 4-6µm in diameter; cell content Anuradhapura[9]; Pakistan. blue-green with aero-topes.

Local Distribution: Boating spot, the main boating Geographical Distribution: Madras[21]; Malyan spot of Keenjhar Lake. Lake[42]; Pakistan.

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Local Distribution: Noori spot, center of the Lake and Remarks: It is reported from boating spot of Keenjhar Helaya spot, the main boat basin of the Keenjhar Lake. Lake. It was collected in July 2003, during which the water temperature 31 ºC and pH 8.25. Remarks: It has been collected during July 2003. It occurred in low quantity in standing water under Noori Gloeocapsa punctata (Nag.): Desikachary[10], spot and Helaya spot of Keenjhar Lake. Prescott[41]. Thallus gelatinous, light blue green, floating or Genus Gloeocapsa Kutzing: Plant mass forming more entangled with other algae, consisting of small or less expanded gelatinous strata, plants spherical aggregates of 4-16 individuals, which are spherical and essentially unicellular, but many individuals associate enclosed by a thick sheath, cell 0.75-3µ in diameter. 2-8 in colonies to form a gelatinous mass of spherical cells. Each cell is enclosed in a lamellose sheath. Geographical Distribution: India: Benaras[47]; Pakistan.

Key to Species: Local distribution: Noori spot, center of the Lake.

1. Sheath Colour less ------2. Remarks: It was collected during July 2004 in free 1. Sheath Colored------G. magma. floating and large sized colonies. 2. Sheath Lamellated------3. 2. Sheath not Lamellated ------4. Gloeocapsa magma (Berg) Kutz: Tilden. Minn. Alg.; 3. Cells with out 2-3µ broad ------G.aeruginosa. Desikachary in Cyanophyta[10]. 3. Cells 4-10µ broad ------G. Montana. Colonies spherical or irregularly arranged, 10-60µ 4. Cell 0.75-3µ broad ------G.punctata. (54µ), colorless with 2.5µ sheath, Cells spherical or 4. Cell 3-6µ broad------G. conglomerat angular 3-7µ diameter colored blue green mostly with a thin 0.5-1µ sheath; cells with sheath 7.5-16µ (9µ) in Gloeocapsa aeruginosa (Carm.) Kutz: Desikachary[10]; diameter. Cells content blue of granular. Prescott[41]. Plant mass crustaceous, granulose mucous, blue Geographical Distribution: Mayanmar: Rangoon[48]; green families’ 16-50µ in diameter. Plants 4-8µ in India: Madras[21]; Pakistan. diameter. Spherical colourless sheath thick, slightly lamellate. Cells contents homogenous, blue green. Local Distribution: Resting spot, surrounding of the lake. Geographical Distribution: India: Berkuba Island, Chilka Lake, Orissa[5]; Calcutta[4]; Hyderabad (Deccan); Remarks: It is reported from resting spot of Keenjhar River Hooghly[6]; Pakistan. Lake. Collection has been made from lake during winter season of 2004. Local Distribution: Helaya spot, the main boat basin of the Lake and Resting spot, surrounding of the Gloeocapsa conglomerata (Kutz.): Tilden. Minn. Alg.; Keenjhar Lake. Desikachary in Cyanophyta[10]. Plant mass gelatinous, plants 7-11µ (6µ) in Remarks: It was found tremendously in hot as well as diameter, spherical aggregated, associated in families rainy season growing in immense quantity in the Lake. 22-45m in diameter; sheath thick, colourless, cells 3-6µ The collections were made from two different stations. (4.5µ) diameter; cells content blue green.

Gloeocapsa montana Kutz: Desikachary[10]. Geographical Distribution: Lahore in Pakistan[24]; Thallus amorphous, broad mucilaginous, light green Rangoon in Burma[26,48]. in colour; cells spherical, with sheath 4-10µ (7.5µ) in diameter mostly, single or two together in a colony, Local Distribution: Khumbo spot, out let of the sheath lamellated, contents homogenous, finely Lake. granular, pale blue green. Remarks: It is reported from Khumbo of Keenjhar Geographical Distribution: India: Assam, Calcutta, Lake. Collections were made during May 2003, it was Bengal[2]; Pakistan. not found in immense quantity. Local distribution: Boating spot, the main boating Genus Merismopedia Meych: Colonies forming plate spot of Keenjhar Lake. one cell in thickness, regularly or irregularly square in

16 Res. J. Fisheries & Hydrobiol., 3(1): 11-21, 2008 rectangular, flat free floating, Cells spherical or ovate Merismopedia glauca. (Ehrenb) Nag: Tiffany & compactly or loosely arranged in rows both transversely Britton, S. The Algae of Illinois. and longitudinally, enclosed by individual by hyaline Colonies mostly small with 16-64 cells, rarely homogenous, mucilaginous sheath, confluent with the more, 45-150µ diameter, cells oval spherical, closely colonial envelope, cell content homogenous. arranged, 3-6µ pale blue green.

Key to Species: Geographical distribution: Mayanmar: Rangoon[48]; 1. Thallus convolute------M. convolute. India: North India[53]; Calcutta[2]; Mandars[21]; Pakistan. 1. Thallus not convolutes------2. 2. Cells up to 3.5µ broad ------3. Local Distribution: Khumbo spot, out let of the Lake. 2. Cells broader ------4. 3. Cells 0.5-0.8µ broad ------M. minima. Remarks: Collection work was done during December 3. Cells 1.3-2µ broad ------M. tenuissima. 2005. It occurred in Planktonic state. 3. Cells 2.5-3.5µ broad ------M. punctata. 4. Cells 3-6µ broad ------M. glauca. Merismopedia punctata Meyen: Desikachary[10]; 4. Cells 4-6µ broad ------M. angularis. Prescott, Algae of Great Western Lake Area[41]. Colonies small 4-64 cells, about 60m broad; cells Merismopedia tenuissima Lemm: Desikachary[10]. not closely packed, spherical or avoid, 2.5-3.5µ broad, Colonies small, quadrangular, free floating, usually pale blue green. containing 16 cells. Cells minute some what spherical, 1-2µ in diameter, densely aggregated; cell content pale Geographical Distribution: India: Pandure[9]; Delhi[46]; blue green. Madras[21]; Pakistan.

Geographical Distribution: India: Benaras[46]; Local Distribution: Resting spot, surrounding of the Bharampur[47]; Pakistan. Lake and Khumbo spot, out let of the Lake.

Local Distribution: Boating spot, the main boat basin Remarks: It was collected from two spots of Keenjhar of the Lake and Resting spot, surrounding of the Lake. Collection work was carried out in resting spot Keenjhar Lake. during December 2003 and February 2004, where it occurred in low quantity and in free suspended Remarks: Collections were made during June and condition. In specimens collected from Khumbo spot December 2004. In boating spot it was collected in especially those growing during summer 2003, the cell free suspended condition during winter season, size was large and growth rate was also high. where it occurred in large size colonies and individual cells were also large as compared to those Merismopedia angularis bp. nor: Mayanmar: collected in summer from resting spot of Rangoon[48]; India: North India[53]; Calcutta[2]. Keenjhar Lake. Colonies large with thick gelatinous envelope cells 4-6µ. Thick arranged in a flat plate with two rows of Merismopedia minima Beck: Desikachary[10],. paired cells colour of the cell body bright blue green Cells pale blue green 4-32 or more in small colonial envelope colour-less. colonies, 0.5-0.6µ broad, free swimming, group of 4 Merismopidia generally occurs sparingly cells 2-3 x 3µ. intermingled with other free floating algae of ponds and semi permanent pools. It is also a frequent thought Geographical Distribution: Mayanmar[48]; India; never important component of fresh water plankton. Benaras[46], Ellore[47]; Pakistan. Geographical Distribution: India: Pandure[9]; Delhi[46]; Local Distribution: Sunheri spot, in let water source Madras[21]; Pakistan. from K. B. feeder through river Indus and Resting spot, center of the Lake. Local Distribution: Helaya spot, boat basin of the Keenjhar Lake Remarks: The collection was made during July 2003. It occurred in vegetative as well as reproductive period Remarks: The collection was made from Helaya spot in Sunheri and Noori spot. during 2004.

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Fig. 1: The map of Keenjhar Lake

Merismopedia convoluta (Breb.) Kutz: Smith[49], Remarks: The collection was made from boating spot Prescott[41]. of Keenjhar Lake during 2003. Colonies irregularly quadrangular, sheaths with convolute margins, colonies 1-4µ in diameter, Genus Coelosphaerium Nag: Cells spherical or composed of very numerous cells membranous, sub hemispherical forming hollow free swimming fallacious, greenish bluish, cells 4-5µ in diameter colonies with or with-out individual envelopes and 4-9µ long spherical to oblong cell contents around cells; colonial mucilage, homogenous blue green. heterogeneous colour-less; colonies divide by breaking through in the middle. Geographical Distribution: India: Calcutta[6]; Pakistan. Coelosphaerium kuetzingianum Naeg: Desikachary[10]. Local Distribution: Boating spot, the main boat basin A free floating spherical, gelatinous colony of spherical of the Keenjhar Lake. cells arranged at some distance from one another,

18 Res. J. Fisheries & Hydrobiol., 3(1): 11-21, 2008 usually at the periphery of the colonial envelope; cell Local Distribution: Resting spot, surrounding of the content homogenous light blue green; cells 2.5-4µ in Lake and Khumbo spot, out let of the Keenjhar Lake. diameter. Remarks: It was collected during May 2005 from two Geographical Distribution: India: Madras and spot of Keenjhar Lake. Kancheepuram; Pakistan. Gomphosphearia lacustirs chodat: Desikachary[10]. Local Distribution: Noori spot, center of the Lake and Colonies spherical, constricted, 1.5-2.5µ (2µ) Helaya spot, boat basin of the Keenjhar Lake. broad, 2-4µ (3µ) long, envelopes loosely arranged. Stalks of cells narrow, irregular proceeding from the Remarks: It has been collected during September center of the colony. 2003. It occurred in small quantity in standing water under Noori spot and Helaya spot of Keenjhar Lake. Geographical Distribution: Mandalay and Rangoon, in Burma[48]; Pakistan. Coelosphaerium naegelianum Unger var. naegelianum: Desikachary[10], Prescott, Algae of West Local Distribution: Helaya spot, the main boat basin Great Lake Area[41]. and Noori spot, center of the Keenjhar Lake. Colonies free floating, spherical with a wide, hyaline gelatinous envelope; cells, ovoid, radially Remarks: The collection has been made from two spot arranged to from a dense peripheral layer in the of Keenjhar Lake during October 2004, in large colonial envelope; cells contents pale blue green, with quantity. many pseudo vacuoles having a dark brown or black granular appearance; colonial envelopes with at time Discussion: A total of thirty three species of radially fibrilar structure; cells 1.5-5µ long. phytoplanktonic, blue green algae identified belonged to order Chroococcales, family Chroococaceae, among Geographical Distribution: In rain water puddle in the identified ten genera, Aphanocapsa and Gloeothece Jogeshwaricave, Bombay[28]; Pakistan. were represented by single species, Chroococcus, Coelosphaerium and Gomphosphaeria by two, Local Distribution: Sunheri spot, inlet water source of Aphanocapsa by four, Gloeocapsa by five, Keenjhar Lake and Boating spot, the main boat basin Merismopedia include six species, Microcystis exhibited of the Keenjhar Lake. the largest-diversity with ten species. The growth of Chroocophyceae was most abundant Remarks: It was collected from two spots of Keenjhar in the aquatic environment especially in Planktonic Lake during summer of 2004. It occurred in free state in terrestrial environment in benthic condition floating state in large quantity, showing some observed previously[19]. The temperature is considered morphological difference in specimens collected from to an important factor in the periodicity of different habitat. Chroococcales. Chroococcales were found to be abundant during summer when temperature was high. Genus Gomphosphearia Kutz: A globes or ovate A great temperature range 18-31

19 Res. J. Fisheries & Hydrobiol., 3(1): 11-21, 2008

2. Banerji, J.C., 1938. Studies on Myxophyceae of Pakistan. Sindh University Research Journal lower Bengal-110 L. Dept. Sci. Calcutta (Sci. Sr), 26(1&2): 115-124. University, 1: 95-109. 21. Ganapati, S.V., 1940. Studies on the chemistry and 3. Bharadwaja, N., 1935. Maxophyceae of the United biology of the slow sand filters at the Madras province, India 1 proc. Of India Acad- Sci. B., 2 water works. Proc. Nat. Institute, Sci, India, (1): 95-107. 6: 237-300. 4. Biswas, K., 1926. Algae of the Loktak Lake, 22. Geitler, L., 1932. Cyanophyceae. In: Rabenhorst L. Memoris Asiatic society of Bengal, III(5): 257-316. (ed) Kryptogamenflora, Akad. Verlagsges, Leipzig:, 5. Biswas, K., 1929. Paper on Malayan aquatic 1-1196. biology. Fresh Water algae with addendum. J. Fed. 23. Ghose, S.L., 1919. The Myxophyceae of Lahore. Malaya states Mus., 14(3-4): 404-435. J. Ind. Bot. Soc., 1: 8-13. 6. Biswas, K., 1942. The role of common algal 24. Ghose, S.L., 1924. A systematic and ecological community of the River Hoogly on the drinking account of the collection of Blue-green algae from water, Calcutta 150th Ann. Vol. Roy. Bot. Gdn., Lahore and Simla. J. Linu. Soc. Bot., 46: 333-346. 189-206. 25. Ghose, S.L., 1926. On some Myxophyceae form 7. Blatter, E., C. Mc. Cann. and T.S. Sabnus, 1929. Rangoon, J. Burma Res. Soc., 15(3): 244-253. The flora of Indus delta. Ind. Bot. Soc. Methodist. 26. Ghose, S.L., 1927 a. On some Myxophyceae from Pub. House. Madras; pp: 173. Myanmar. J. Burma Res. Soc., 17: 252-256. 8. Bruhl, P. and Biswas, 1926. Algae of the Laktak 27. Ghose, S.L., 1927 b. Sub aerial blue-green of Lake. Mem. Asiat. Soc, Bengal, 8: 257-316. Rangoon. J. Ind. Bot. Soc., 6: 79-84. 9. Crow, W.B., 1923. Fresh water plankton algae 28. Gonzalves, E.A. and D.B. Joshi, 1943. The algae from Ceylon J. Bot. Lond, 61: 110-171. flora of temporary waters around Bombay-1- An 10. Desikachary, T.V., 1959. Cyanophyta. ICAR ecological study of the algae in some rain water Monographs. New Delhi, pp: 686. pools near Borivli 1 bid., 11: 34- 45. 11. Faridi, M.A.F., 1970. Identification of fresh water 29. Gonzalves, E.A. and D.B. Joshi, 1946. Fresh algae with necked eye. Biologia, 16: 67-70. Water Algae near Bombay (the seasonal succession 12. Faridi, M.A.F., 1971. The genera of fresh water of the algae in tank at Bandra) J. Bombay Nat. algae of Pakistan and Kashmir. Biologia, Hist. Soc., 46(1): 152-176 + Pls. 17:123-142. 30. Holsinger, E.C.T., 1955. The Plankton algae of 13. Faridi, M.A.F., 1974 a. A new specie of three Ceylon Lake. Hydrobiologia, 7: 8-24. Pelogloes (Cyanophyceae) from Pakistan. Biologia, 31. Khan, S.I., 1957. Cultures of algae of the rice field 20: 63-64. of Kashmir. Biologia, 3: 29-43. 14. Faridi, M.A.F., 1974 b. A new species of 32. Komarek, J., 1957. Das “Microcystis problem” Oscillatoria (Cyanophyceae) from Pakistan. Taxon, 6(5): 145-149. Biologia, 20: 65-66. 33. Kutzing, F.T., 1845. Tabulae Phycologiceae, 1:19. 15. Farzana, A. and M. Nizamuddin, 1979. Studies on 34. Leghari, S.M. and S.N. Arbani, 1983. Epizoic some members of Cyanophyta from Karachi. Nova algae from the molluscs of Keenjhar Lake and Hedw., 31: 247-256. adjoining areas of River Indus. Sindh University 16. Fremy, P., 1929. Les Maxophyceaes del’ Afrique Research Journal., Sci. Sr., 15: 140-142. equalorate Françoise. Arch. Bot. Caen. 3: Memoire 35. Leghari, S.M. and S.N. Arbani, 1984. Survey of No: 2. fresh water algae (Cyanophyceae from ponds and 17. Fremy, P., 1933. Les Cyanophyceaes des Cotes d’ lakes of lower Sindh. Sindhol. Stud., 2: 67-90. Europe. Men Soc. Nat. Sci. Nat. Math. Cherbourg, 36. Leghari, S.M., M.A. Sahato., Z.A. Nizamani and 41: 1-236. M.A. Baryar, 2001. Rare fossil algal, fungal and 18. Fremy, P., 1942. Cyanophyceae del’ Indule Riccia spores isolated from Sondha Coal meridionales, Blumea, Suppl. II Dr. A.A. Weber deposits, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan. Onl. J. Biol. Sci., Van. Bosse Jubilee, Vol: 21-40. 1: 173-174. 19. Forti, A., 1907. Myxophyceaes de 1’ Afrique 37. Lemmermann, E., 1907. Protophyten-plankton Von. equatioriale francaise. Arch. Bot. Caen, 3: Ceylon. Zoo. Jahrb, 25 (Systematik): 263-268. Memoire 2. 38. Lemmermann, E., 1910. Algen in kryptogamenflora 20. Sahato, G.A. and S.N. Arbani, 1994. Fresh water der. Mark Borden Burg 1-256, Leipzig. algae of Sindh-1. An ecological survey of 39. Naz, S., M. Shameel., Masud-ul-Hasan and phytoplankton of Phoosna Lake Dist: Badin, Sindh, Shafique-ur-Rehman, 2003. Survey of fresh water

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