MACROBENTHOS IN THE MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM OF COCHIN BACKWATERS, KERALA (SOUTHWEST COAST OF INDIA)

Structure, composition and seasonal distribution of macrobenthic fauna in the intertidal areas of the mangrove ecosystem of Cochin backwater s were studied. Benthic fauna was mainly represented ;by Polychaeta, C rustacea and Mollusca. Faunal diversity was higher at st. 1 near Cochi n 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 var ied from 0.43 to 1.03. Maximum macrofaunal density and dry weight reco rded were 8970 m(-2) and 57.86 g.m(-2) respectively. Polychaetes const ituted the bulk of fauna in the 3 stations studied. Significant simila rity and strong association were noticed among macrobenthos. Detritivo rous benthos were found to be common at all stations and well adapted to mangrove habitat.