Comparative studies on the abundance of zooplankton in the surrounding sea and lagoons in the Lakshadweep

138-141Composition and distribution of various groups and species of zooplankton at Kavaratti, Agatti and Suhelipar atolls of the Lakshadweep group of islands are reported. Higher biomass and diversity occur in the sea surrounding atolls compared to lagoons. Copepoda forms the dominant component of zooplankton. Zooplankton washed across the reef into the lagoon may be serving as food to the reef community. No fauna endemic to lagoons are encountered