DefinePK

Abstract

An investigation was made on the influence of physico-chemical parameters on zooplankton composition of Ayyampatinam coastal region situated in southeast coast of India Lat. 0954146 N Long. 7908146 E. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of zooplankton besides physico-chemical parameters were carried out from October 2007 to September 2008. 45 species of zooplankton were recorded, Copepoda formed the major fraction 44 followsed by other metazoans 25, decapodal larval forms 15, Ciliats 8, Foraminiferans 3, Hydromedusae 2, Decapoda 2 and Appendicularians 1. Higher values of zooplankton density and species diversity were found during premonsoon and summer seasons. The seasonal distribution and abundance of zooplankton are discussed in relation to hydrographical parameters.