Zooplankton of Behramaz Stream (Elaziğ-Türki̇ye)

In order to investigate the zooplankton of Behramaz Stream, that is one of the most important streams feeding Hazar Lake, monthly zooplankton samples were taken from the stream in January-December 2014. During the research, 48 zooplankton species belonging to 3 groups were identified, 32 species of which belong to Rotifera, 12 species of Cladocera and 4 species of Copepoda. The distribution of zooplankton species according to groups consisted of 66.7% Rotifera, 25% Cladocera and 8.3%. Cyclops vicinus, from Copepoda the most recorded species in the study, was observed for 9 months. The other most recorded species, K. longispina and P. dolichoptera, from the Rotifera were observed for 7 months. While species were observed in the stream, it was determined that there was an increase in the number of zooplankton species and individuals in the summer and spring months. The months when zooplankton are recorded the least are winter. Species richness index calculations were made with the data obtained from the stream. The month with the highest Shannon Wiener value was June (H= 2.48). Similarly, the Margalef richness index was recorded at its highest value (M= 4.28) in the same month. Even in the period when the species richness index in the stream was the highest, it could not exceed the H= 2.5 value, which represents the medium level of species richness. It can be said that Behramaz Stream is poor in terms of species according to the species richness index data.