Benthic Harpacticoid Copepod Community Of Saphala Salt-Marsh Along The West-Coast Of India

Abstract

Distribution of meiobenthic harpacticoid copepod species was studied from a low tidal marsh area during August to October 1984. The copepod species density was moderately high. The mean highest density was recorded at a station having highest organic content in the sediment. Among 21 species recorded only <i>Stenhelia longifurca</i> and <i>Halectinosoma curticorne</i> were recorded from all stations. The pattern of abundance of benthic copepod species and poor diversity in the present study area indicate a constant time scale fluctuation of the environment. Physical environmental parameters are suggested to be more important in controlling the community of the harpacticoids in the Saphala salt marsh.