Seasonal Variations And Zooplankton Diversity From Mangroves Area, Kakinada District, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

In the present study, the zooplankton diversity and distribution was studied in relation to seasonal variation in the mangrove area, Kakinada District, Andhra Pradesh. Samples were seasonally collected (i.e., monsoon: July-2013 and monsoon: June-2014). A total of 8 groups zooplankton were recorded during this study period. A total of 8 groups of zooplankton belonging to different species were identified. Copepod was found to be the most dominant group and it contributed more than 85% of the total zooplankton collected in this study. Second abundant group Molluscan veligers followed by Chaetognathes, Adult crustaceans, Decapods larvae, Polychaete larvae, Fish eggs and larvae and Cirripede nauplii. The results of present study help to develop an understanding on the zooplankton distribution in mangrove areas, which will form a reliable tool in bio-monitoring studies.