Soil macro-invertebrates in a prawn culture field of a tropical estuary

Abstract

Trophic structure and biomass values of soil dwelling macro-invertebrate fauna
in a prawn culture field of Cochin backwaters in Kerala, southwestcoast of India
were evaluated. Benthic community structure was dominated by polychaete
fauna followed by mollusca and crustacea in terms of both density and biomass.
Changes of ecological conditions during monsoon period seem to be not affecting
the benthic secondary productivity. Sandy bottom area with a mixture of
minimum silt and clay and moderate amount of organic matter provide an excellent
substratum for the secondary productivity. A more or less stable existence
of trophic structure and biomass during the study period revealed the functional
stability of the bottom habitat.