European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

DIVERSITY OF MEIOBENTHIC NEMATODES ALONG THE COAST OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, SOUTHWEST COAST OF INDIA

*K. S. Anila Kumary

ABSTRACT

Nematodes are the most abundant groups among marine meiobenthos. The study highlights the community structure of meiobenthic nematodes at two intertidal sandy shores along the coast of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (latitudes 8020’- 8030’ north and longitudes 76055’- 77003’ east). A total of 12 species of meiobenthic nematodes such as Anticoma acuminata, Pontonema valviferum, Viscosia haustromi, Cyatholaimus ocellatus, Sabatieria abyssalis, Desmodora inflexa, Desmodora extensa, Metepsilonema sp., Leptolaimus sp., Pterygonema ornatum, Desmoscolex sp. and Theristus alternus were recorded. Meiobenthic nematode species diversity index along the coast of Thiruvananthapuram annually varied between 0 and 1.563; species richness index between 0 and 0.7143, species evenness index between 0 and 0.8777 and species dominance index fluctuated from 0 to 1. Moderate values for the indices were noted at both the stations and the values showed its minimum figures during the monsoon season coincided with a fall in the density of total meiofauna.

Keywords: Meiofauna, nematodes, diversity indices, Thiruvananthapuram coast.