RELATWE ABUNDANCE AND MEL VARIATION OF ZOOPLANKTON FROM SOUTH WEST COAST OF INDIA
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Authors
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V. SANTHAKUMARI
National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Kochi - 682 018, Kerala
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K. I. PETER
National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Kochi - 682 018, Kerala.
Abstract
Relative abundance and diurnal variations of zooplankton from six anchor stations along
Kerala coast, were investigated. Samples were collected during April - May 1988 at three hour
intervals from depths varying between 15 m and 40 tn from the traditional fishing grounds of
Kerala coast. Average biomass values ranged from 45-95 ml 100/m -3. Increase in zooplardtton
at night was discernible at most of the stations and the highest biomass noticed was 131 ml 100/
m"3. Copepods formed the most abundant group, of which calanoids predominated. A swarm
of the hydromedusan species, Aequorea conica, (181/m-3) was seen at night. Quantitative and
qualitative variations of various zooplankton groups from six stations in relation to selected
physico chemical factors are discussed. Maxium fish larvae was observed in the night samples.
Relatively high abundence of sardines, carangids and flat fish larvae in the collections is in
agreement with the predominance of fish catch from the area of study.
