The nematode community distribution in two estuaries of the Me Kong delta: Cung Hau and Ham Luong, South Vietnam

Abstract

The highest numbers of nematodes with a percentage ranging from 76.4% in Cung Hau to 77% in Ham Luong estuaries. There were 92 genera (71 genera in Ham Luong and 62 genera in Cung Hau) of nematodes recorded in both estuaries. The mean nematode densities varied between 90 ± 31-1524 ± 269 ind.10 cm² and 105 ± 79-1120 ± 534 ind.10 cm² in Ham Luong and Cung Hau estuary, respectively. The nematode communities were mainly composed of Dichromadora, Daptonema, Oncholaimellus, Syringolaimus, Tripyloides, Parodontophora, Theristus and Halalaimus belonging to several dominant families, such as, Oncholaimidae, Xyalidae, Chromadoridae, Oxystominidae, Axonolaimidae and Sphaerolaimidae. In both estuaries, nematode density decreased from inland towards the mouth before they increased again at the mouth stations.