Biodiversity of meiobenthic invertebrates in Lake Bardawil, Egypt.

Species composition, distribution of meiobenthic invertebrates in Baradwil Wetland were studied during 2006-2007. Seasonal samples were collected from 12 stations representing different habitats of the wetland. The results revealed that Thirteen species and 2 types of larval stages were identified in the lake (4 Foraminifera, 3 Copepoda, 2 Ostracoda, 2 Nematoda, one Tardigrada and one Mollusca). Ostracoda dominated the other groups forming 42.8 % of total meiobenthos. The population density of meiobenthos was obviously higher in eastern part of the lake, with a major peak of about 3780 Org/10 cm^2 at station I, while the lowest crop of an average 942 Org/10cm^2 was found at station II. Regarding seasonal variation, there was a gradual increase in meiobenthos standing crop from minimum of 1103 Org/10cm^2 in summer until reaching a maximum of an average 3048 Org/10cm^2 in winter with an overall average of 1820 Org/10cm^2. Fish community changes during the last two decades, which consequently changed the whole ecosystem of the lake, encourages us to recommend establishing a monitoring program to follow up changes in the lake ecosystem, especially the benthic fauna that will be of great help in the management of such important water body