Macrobenthos in the mangrove ecosystem of Cochin backwaters, Kerala (southwest coast of India)

Abstract

Structure, composition and seasonal distribution of macrobenthic fauna in the intertidal areas of the mangrove ecosystem of Cochin backwaters were studied. Benthic fauna was mainly represented ;by Polychaeta, Crustacea and Mollusca. Faunal diversity was higher at st. 1 near Cochin barmouth than at interior 2 stations. Species diversity and richness varied from 0.52 to 3.03 and 0.38 to 4.50, respectively. Evenness varied from 0.43 to 1.03. Maximum macrofaunal density and dry weight recorded were 8970 m(-2) and 57.86 g.m(-2) respectively. Polychaetes constituted the bulk of fauna in the 3 stations studied. Significant similarity and strong association were noticed among macrobenthos. Detritivorous benthos were found to be common at all stations and well adapted to mangrove habitat.