Copepods of the nearshore waters of Bombay

Abstract

Variability in copepod population was studied along 2 transects off Mahim and Versova during November 1979 to December 1980 covering eight stations from the creek towards the offshore area. Contribution of copepods to total zooplankton was 72.7 and 79.7% at Versova and Mahim transects respectively. The mean value of copepod (no.m-3) was more at Mahim (310) than at Versova transect (213). The distribution pattern was influenced by the tidal phase with an increase towards the shore during the flood period and a reverse pattern during the ebb period. Sixty eight species were recorded from the area. Acartia spinicauda, Acrocalanus similis and Paracalanus crassirostris were the most common species. Species assemblage indicated the predominance of omnivores in the polluted regions. Dominance of Acartia spinicauda appears to be an indicator of polluted environment.