Intertidal phytal fauna off Gangavaram, East Coast of India

Abstract

Distribution of phytal macro and meiofauna on 9 intertidal algae was investigated from March 1979 to March 1980. Amphipoda, Isopoda, Polychaeta, Gastropoda and Bivalvia constituted the bulk of macrofauna. Foraminifera, Nematoda, Copepoda and Halacaridae formed the abundant groups of meiofauna. <i>Amphiroa fragilissima</i> supported maximum density (20328410. m^-2 algal cover) of phytal fauna while <i>Ulva fasciata</i> harboured minimum. In general, tufted and shrub-like<i> A. frgilissima</i> (L.) Lamouroux, <i>Gelidium pusillum</i> (Stack.) Le Jolis, <i>Gelidiopsis variabilis</i> (Greville) Schmitz and <i>Jania rubens</i> (L.) Lamouroux harboured large number of meioforms, while loose, flattened and broad thalli of <i>Ulva fasciata</i> Delile, <i>Caulerpa taxifolia</i> (Vahl) C. Agardh, <i>Gracilaria corrticata</i> J. Agardh and <i>Sargassum</i> sp. supported minimum number. Shape and texture of the thallus, degree of protection against the wave action and desiccation and the amount of sediment retained by the algae appear to be the factors responsible for the differences in composition and density of phytal fauna.