Field Study on Corals and Coral Living Organisms in Van Tivu, in the Gulf of Mannar

Abstract

The results of the study on corals in the Van Tivu island in the Gulf of Mannar, are presented. Eighteen species of stony corals were recorded in our study area. Favia, Porites, Acropora, Tubipoira, and Montipora spp., were found to contribute about 80% of the total coral population in Van tivu. The northeast and southwest transects were found to have higher percentage of corals. The molluscs alone contributed about 30% of the total reef fauna. The northeast transect had a good numerical data of molluscs. The vulnerable molluscan species from this area was found to be Sepia spp. Different types of coral reef fishes were present in the Van tivu. The notable ones are Butterfly fishes (Chaetodontidae), Parrot fishes (Scaridae), Clown and Damsel fishes (Pomacentridae) and Lion and Scorpion fishes (Scorpaenidae). Coral reef destruction was found to be caused by bio-eroding organisms. The common bio-eroders observed during our field study were lion fish, butterflies, wrasses, Echinometra mathei (Echinoderm) and Lambis spp. (Gastropods) and Tridacm spp. (Bivalves).