Macrobenthos in the mangrove ecosystem of Cochin backwaters, Kerala (southwest coast of India)

56-61Structure, composition and seasonal distribution of macrobenthic fauna in the intertidal areas of the mangrove ecosystem of Cochin backwaters were studied. Benthic fauna was mainly represented ;by Polychaeta, Crustacea and Mollusca. Faunal diversity was higher at st. 1 near Cochin barmouth than at interior 2 stations. Species diversity and richness varied from 0.52 to 3.03 and 0.38 to 4.50, respectively. Evenness varied from 0.43 to 1.03. Maximum macrofaunal density and dry weight recorded were 8970 m(-2) and 57.86 g.m(-2) respectively. Polychaetes constituted the bulk of fauna in the 3 stations studied. Significant similarity and strong association were noticed among macrobenthos. Detritivorous benthos were found to be common at all stations and well adapted to mangrove habitat