Intertidal ecology of a rocky shore at Mandapam camp, India

Abstract

Vertical distribution of marine algae was studied for a year using the belt transect method. The vegetation reached the climax of development in December. Of the 41 species present Porolithon on codes and Hypnea pannosa were dominant throughout the year. The abundant species of algae occuring in different seasons were: <i>Cladophoropsis zollingeri</i> in December; Champia parvavula and Rhizoclonium kerneri and Phormidium sp. in September. Rhodophyceae/Chlorophyceae ratio was maximum (5.15) in September. Individually, the red algae showed considerable development in September and reached a maximum in December. Among the other groups, the maximum abundance was shown by green algae in March to June, blue green algae in September, and the animals both in June and December. Brown algae were scarcely represented. From a consideration of the factors governing the distribution, temperature, rainfall and wave action appeared important.