Distribution and Economic Importance of Aquatic Macro Invertebrates: A Review
Rabo, P. D. *
Department of Agricultural Technology, College of Agriculture, Garkawa, Mikang LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aquatic macro-invertebrates are basic constituent of the aquatic food chain (serve as food for fish and other organisms), they aid in natural flow of energy as well as bio indicators of water quality. Others like snail are vectors of diseases- Schistosomiasis, Fascioliasis, Paragoniasis. Predatory insects and leeches damage fish eggs, fries and fingerlings. The distribution of aquatic macro-invertebrates are governed by good habitats, season of the year, physico-chemical parameters of water and sampling techniques. The factors playing a role in their distribution appears to have a role in dictating the survival and distribution of other aquatic organisms. The interplay of distribution, abundance and economic importance of aquatic macro invertebrates and other water organisms helps check population growth, survival of the fittest, and serve as targets for conservation initiatives. Therefore a combine effort of individuals and government is needed to provide, and ensure guidelines implementation to protect the aquatic system from pollution and degradation, and ensure maximum productivity.
Keywords: Aquatic, macro-invertebrates, distribution, economic importance