BIOFOULING ORGANISMS ATTACHED ON MANGROVE PLANTS IN AYIRAMTHENGU REGION, KERALA, INDIA

Binsy Kesavan, And Amina
unpublished
Epibionts that colonize on the mangrove areial roots and stem was analysed during February 2016 to January 2017 covering all the seasons. Micro and macro foulers were attached to the mangrove plants. Balanus sp. was dominant macrofouler while Conscinodiscus sp, Pleurosigma sp, Chlorella sp, were the abundant microfoulers. Maximum settlement was on the premonsoon period and poor during monsoon season. Hydrological parameters showed a seasonal variation throughout the study period. Temperature
more » ... ges from 27. 5 0 C to 30 0 C, dissolved oxygen (4. 6 to 5. 8mg/l), salinity(19. 8 to 32. 7ppt). The epibionts exhibited distinct seasonal trends in abundance with fluctuating temperature and salinity. Species richness, abundance and diversity was higher during premonsoon and lower on monsoon period.
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