Polymorphism of Cyclops abyssorum mauritaniae (Copepoda, Cyclopoidae) collected from Algeria water bodies

Abstract

Three morphotypes A, B and C were isolated after description of Cyclops abyssorum mauritaniae populations obtained from 46 Algerian water bodies. These are described based on their morphometric characters. Morphotype A found in six localities characterized the east of Algeria, morphotype B was collected in the west of Algeria, while morphotype C was collected in High Mountain in the North. After dissection of certain males and females, measurements of the different parts of the body illustrated by drawings were made for each morphotype. The size of morphotype B is intermediate between A and C. The outer side of the second article of the fifth thoracic leg presents a small bump only in morphotype A and C. Morphotype C is characterized by the convexity of its third, fourth and fifth thoracics anterior margin. Other differences were observed on ornamentations of the antenna basis and the coxa of the fourth leg. This subspecies, with common occurrence in the Eastern Region of Algeria and rare occurrence in the northern and western parts of the country indicates that it is dispersed in Algeria from the East to the West and North.   Key words: Algeria, Copepoda, Cyclops abyssorum mauritaniae, distribution, polymorphism.