Distribution of <i>Diopatra neapolitana</i> delle chiaje (polychaeta) in the south-west coast of India

Abstract

Based on a survey of the bottom fauna and bottom deposits of the south-west coast of India the distribution of <i>D. neapolitana</i> in the continental shelf is discussed. The species has been found in the Vembanad estuary as well, where the salinity is as low as 18%. It is well represented in the regions having a firm substrata formed of fine sand and mud and rare or absent in clay or pure sand. The tubes of the deep water forms are strengthened with sand grains and shell fragments, while those present in the estuary and inshore regions are made of decayed leaves, flints of wood and coconut fibres, which are prevalent in the region.