1 Dec 2012 DIVERSITY OF THE INTERTIDAL MACROFAUNA ...

Life Sciences Leaflets12:135-145,2012 FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN 2277-4297(Print)0976–1098(Online)

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Published on: 1st Dec 2012

DIVERSITY OF THE INTERTIDAL MACROFAUNA AT

WEST COAST OF GUJARAT, INDIA

BHARATSINH GOHIL1 AND RAHUL KUNDU2

1. DEPARTMENT OF LIFE SCIENCES MAHARAJA KRISHNAKUMAR

SINHJI BHAVNAGAR UNIVERSITY, BHAVNAGAR.

2. DEPARTMENT OF BIO – SCIENCES, SAURASHTRA UNIVERSITY, RAJKOT.

ABSTRACT:

The paper deals with the diversity of the intertidal Macrofauna at west coast of Gujarat ,India. The present

study reveals that the rocky intertidal zone of the Dwarka coast of Gujarat is extremely rich in having

coastal macrofauna along seaweeds.

The survey of intertidal zone has been done well to study and trace maximum faunal species occurring

along the entire region. The observations were done from various sampling sites. The outcome 40 species

were recorded. It has been observed that the major macrofaunal population of this zone belongs to phylum

Porifera, Coelentrata, Arthropoda and Mollusca. The dominating species found were Sea anemones,

Zooanthus, Cellanaradiata, Turbo sp. and Trochus etc. Coelentrata were present in large colonies forming

patches on the rocky substratum but absent in sandy portion of the intertidal zone. Planaria was recorded in

middle littoral only during September, November and December. Among Arthropoda the Sand Crab,

Hippa , was present in sandy portion. Hermit crabs were present in deserted shell of gastropod mollusks in

lower littoral zone.

KEY WORD: Intertidal MacroFauna , Diversity, , Dwarka coast. Mollusks.

INTRODUCTION:

Biological diversity or biodiversity is the sum total of all life forms on Earth, i.e. animals, plants and

microorganisms, and the ecological system of which they are a part, Tragically, the Earth's biodiversity is

being lost at an alarming rate. In marine and coastal environments, direct causes of biodiversity loss

include: Overexploitation of living marine resources, Pollution, Introduction of alien species, and habitat

destruction and degradation among others. Recent studies have reported that as much as 10 % of the

World's Coral reefs, which are most biologically diverse marine systems, have been irreparably degraded

(Humborg, 2002). Half of the World's Coastal Mangroves, which provide vital nursery ground habitat to



countless species, have been cleared, converted to other uses. World's major fisheries have been crashed

due to over-fishing and associated habitat destruction (Jennings and Polunin, 1996).

Marine ecosystems and the species within them provide a number of functions, which are very important

to human survival and well being (Reid and Miller, 1989). In addition to contributing fish to the human

diet, and providing a source of income to millions, marine species are used as animal feed, fertilizer,

clothing, jewellary, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics etc (Maragos et al., 1996). Since marine species are a

part of specific ecosystems, assessing the condition of ecosystem is a useful indicator of threats to species

level diversity. Estuaries, mangroves and other wetlands serve as nursery areas and habitats for a

significant number of marine species. These habitats are often rich in food and their shallow after and

vegetation provide from predators (Maragos and Payri, 1997).

The Saurashtra coast, which is the Northern part of Indian coastline, is characterized by its rocky, sandy

and muddy Intertidal zones, harboring rich and varied flora and fauna. In the Gulf of Kachchh, the

mineralogical and petro logical studies of the submerged intertidal rocks have indicated that they are

calcareous sand stones. The Intertidal zone is considered as the most productive with the greatest

diversity of plant and animal life. Many intertidal animals, especially the Gastropod Molluscs, Bryozoans

and other coelenterates, among others inhabit the intertidal zone of these coastline and many of them are

collected for food, or industrial purposes. Rapid industrialization followed by habitat destruction and the

pollution along the Saurashtra coast has resulted into deterioration of the coastal wealth. Therefore, it is

desirable to make a detailed inventory on the present status, their abundance and density of various inertial

macrofauna, inhabiting this coastline. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to carryout a detailed

baseline database of the intertidal macrofauna of Dwarka coast.

Saurashtra region harbours one of the biggest industrial belts of the country with mega industries like

Reliance, ESSER, IOC, GHCL, Indian Rayon, several GIDC units, a good number of cement

manufacturing units, and soda ash producers along with large fishing stations like Veraval, Porbandar and

Okha apart from those numerous small scale industries have also established on the shoreline of

Saurashtra itself. Their effect by means of utilizing raw materials and release of influents affect the

coastal belt to possibly an unrecoverable level. The question was why to select Dwarka as a model ground

to monitor the coastal health. The Dwarka coast is the most important one from both biological and

economic point of view. Human interaction to the marine system at this zone is increasing alarmingly and

the affect is quite clear in the system. The decline in animal fishing (Report published by Commissioner

of Fisheries, Govt. of Gujarat 2002) is so sharp that if action is not taken immediately, this area will loose

its fame as a major fishing center and countries revenue will receive a great setback. So, the time is on to

find out the recovery procedure to restore the coastal health and the only permanent recovery is possible



through correcting the food chain of the system. In this context, a detailed study on the Saurashtra coast

line, one of the biggest one in India desired a detailed monitoring to work out the present status of the

ecosystem, the threats mounting and impending, natural resistance and adaptation in response to the

pressure and a possible negotiation to the neutralize the harsh condition to offer a better tomorrow.

The present study deals with coastal faunal and floral diversity, with a view to assess the physicochemical

characteristic of the coast and the interaction between the fauna and flora with anthropogenic activities

were investigated.

STUDY AREA:

It is a great significance to our country, a nation with an enormous and unique coastline of two oceans, a

couple of Gulfs. Gujarat shares the major portion of coastline covering 1600 km long shore of this the

Saurashtra region occupies a total stretch of 985 km. And the present investigation was carried out at a

rocky intertidal belt at Dwarka (22°13' N and 68°58’E)west coast of Gujarat, India. Dwarka is one of the

most sacred places of Hinduism due to Dwarkadhish Temple of the Lord KRISHNA. At all the research

sites identified, the mineralogical and petrographical studies of the submerged intertidal rocks have

indicated that they are calcareous sandstones. Further, it is also cited that these rocks were formed

through continuous deposition during a period of lowered sea level. Selected sites are sandy, stony, rocky

and calcareous eruptions. There are creeks also running in a criss-cross fashion right from the upper

littoral and meeting the lower littoral. For most of the time in a day, water runs through these creeks with

good velocity. In the middle and lower littoral zones where large channels were situated, thick seaweeds

and algae were found. This region harbors wide array of macrofauna in association with the seaweeds.

Prior to conducting a quantitative survey to macrofauna at Dwarka, a reconnaissance survey was done to

demark the sampling sites. Total length of selected site of Dwarka coast was about 5 km.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Sampling Methods Followed:

For biodiversity studies:

The Sampling sites were surveyed regularly at spatial and temporal scale. The complete study was

conducted in a non-destructive manner. Only those fauna and flora which were difficult to be identified

were collected and preserved in 70% alcohol or 10% formalin. During the study, selected sites were

frequently surveyed at regular intervals during the lowest tides. All intertidal macrofauna and algae

observed were recorded properly and later classified systematically. Thus animals under various phyla

were recorded & checklist was prepared. Extensive photography was employed for the identification of



the animal and algae species with the identification keys, literature available in the form of books,

journals reports and with extensive use of internet.

Analysis of data:

In the present communication, an attempt was made to measure the variation in the faunal and floral

diversity in response to change in some environmental factor like water temperature, pH and salinity. So

the study site was sampled monthly for intertidal diversity and above environmental factor along with

checking the degree of human interference or anthropogenic pressure around the selected stations to

understand the role of these environmental factors on the organisms in this area. All intertidal flora and

flora observed were recorded properly, classified systematically and a checklist was prepared initially.

Monthly data of all three abiotic factors were integrated to correspond to the biotic parameters.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS:

1. Diversity of the Intertidal Macrofauna at Dwarka ,west coast of Gujarat , India:

The result of the present study shows that the rocky intertidal zone of the Dwarka coast is extremely rich

in coastal macrofauna and seaweeds. Before starting the qualitative survey to meet the objectives of

present studies, the intertidal zones have been surveyed and all the species that were occurring along the

entire intertidal have been recorded during each month. About 40 species of invertebrate macro fauna and

38 species of Algae were recorded. The phylum wise distributions of various species were recorded.

It has been observed that the major macro faunal population of this zone belongs to phylum coelenterate,

Arthropod, Molluscs, and Porifera with dominating species like sea Anemones, Zooanthus, Trochus

radiatus, Turbo intercostalis, Turbo coronetus and Neris sp. etc.

Throughout the period of the study, eleven species of Chlorophyceae, nine species of Pheophyceae and

seven species of Rhodophyceae have been recorded, making it a total 27 species observed in the present

study. From the above it is clear that the members of Chlorophyceae may be dominating the seaweed

flora of this coast. The association of animals on the bases that the algae provided them protection from

extreme high and low temperature and their dislodgement by wave action.

SPONGE

A variety of sponges recorded during the entire study period. Among them, only two were of encrusting

types forming flat patches of colorful mats on the rocks. However, large isolates and colonies of upright

sponge were also found mostly in lower littoral zones at sampling sites.

COELENTERATA

In the case of coelenterates few species were recorded in the entire study site. It has been found that the

variation in species was high in lower littoral zone and low in upper littoral zone. Among all 10 species

of Coelenterate which has been recorded during study time, only Zoanthus was present in upper littoral



zone besides its ideal habitat in middle and lower littoral zones. These animals were present in large

colonies forming patches on the rocky substratum but not present in sandy portion of the intertidal zone.

While, the other species of this phylum like Sea Anemone, Brain Coral Meandrina, Favia and other

corals were totally absent in upper littoral zone. They were present in middle and lower littoral zone

totally absent in upper littoral zone. They were present in middle and lower littoral and during the winter

months of December and January, Occurrence of the number of species in the intertidal belt was low.

PLATYHALMINTHES

Among this phylum only one species of Planaria was recorded in middle littoral only during September,

November and December. However, it was not at all seen in upper and lower littoral zones during the

entire study period. It was observed that they live in shallow water and rarely seen in the open.

ANNELIDS

Four species of this phylum have been recorded during study time. Neris was present in study portion of

the intertidal during September to December. Sabella sp. was recorded in middle littoral zone during

September and November. Another species Serpula was found to be attached with rock and covered with

bivalve shell. This animal was present in middle and lower littoral zone, but not encountered with during

the winter months of December and January. In both zones, another Annelid Eurythoe sp. As also found.

This animal was present in upper littoral zone during October and November, and middle littoral zone

during August, September and November but not recorded in both zones during December and January.

ARTHROPODA

In sampling site five species of Arthropoda have been recorded. The species diversity showed more or

less similar pattern at upper and middle littoral zones, and least species diversity observed at lower

littoral zone. The barnacle Balanus was present in middle and lower littoral zones, was totally absent in

lower littoral zone and not seen during December and January, four species of crabs were recorded in the

entire intertidal zones. Among crabs, one species of sand crab Hippa was present in sandy portion while,

Hermit Crabs were present in deserted shell of gastropod molluscs in lower littoral zone.

MOLLUSCS

Member of the phylum Molluscs were more numerous than any other phylum or faunal group in the area

of study. The group was represented by about 17 species. Among them Chiton, Cellana radiata, Turbo

sp, Trochus, Nerita and Littorina were recorded in upper littoral zone, while, in middle littoral zone all

species ere present except Aplysia and Octopus which were present in lower littoral zone. Littorina was

present only in spray zone. The lower littoral zone was dominated by Murex, Xancus, Cypraea followed

by Aplysia and Octopus during November to January. Pinctada was recorded in middle littoral zone

during month August only .



ECHINODERMATA

Among the phylum Echinodermata, four species have been recorded during the entire study period. The

members of this phylum were totally absent in upper littoral zone but abundantly occurred in middle and

lower littoral zones. Among them, two species of starfish, one species of Sea Cucumber and one species

of Brittle Star were identified. However, the species diversity of this phylum was comparatively less.

2. Diversity of intertidal algae at Dwarka Coast:

The entire intertidal study area has been first thoroughly surveyed to get an idea of the coast

characteristics and to make a qualitative assessment of intertidal algae. Throughout the period of the

study, thirteen species of Chlorophyceae, equal number of species of Pheophyceae and fourteen species

of Rhodophyceae have been recorded, making it a total 38 species observed in the present study the

above it is clear that the members of Rhodophyceae may be dominating the seaweed flora of this coast.

While, number of species belonging to Chlorophycea and Pheophyceae were almost equal.

Predominance of Rhodophyceae is a characteristic feature of lower littoral zone.

CHLOROPHYCEAE

In case of Chlorophycea, the species diversity was high in lower littoral zone followed by middle littoral

zone but minimum in upper littoral zone. During the winter months of December and January the

number of species was found to be maximum.

PHEOPHYCEAE

The species diversity was less during August to November but was recorded very high during December

and January in middle and lower littoral zones. It is interesting to note the total absence of this group of

seaweed in upper littoral zone at the study site.

RHODOPHYCEAE

Rhodophyceae showed more or less similar trend like Pheophyceae. The species diversity was minimum

during August to November while, maximum was observed during December and January at the lower

littoral zone. This group of sea weed was also totally absent in upper littoral zone at the study site.

The result of the present study shows that the rocky intertidal zone of the Dwarka coast is extremely rich

in macro fauna and seaweeds. Before starting the qualitative survey to meet the objectives of present

studies, the intertidal zones have been surveyed and all the species that were occurring along the entire

intertidal have been recorded during each month (Table – 1). The phylum wise distribution of various

species recorded at the three sampling sites is given in the table. A ‘+’ or ‘-‘sign against a species in the

table indicates presence or absence (not seen till the time of reporting) respectively of that species at the

particular sampling site.



CONCLUSION:

The most diverged and rich field of Ecology is the Marine Ecology harboring billions of known as well

as unexposed lives, both Floral and Faunal. Marine biologists study animal life in all its diversity,

including the interaction of animals with other organisms and with physical and chemical components of

Environments. So many research works involving this is a worthy one. Human pressure on the marine

environments has much intense effect. Many human induced physical, chemical and biological changes

are adversely affecting biological diversity and these activities are currently resulting in wide spread

degradation or even complete destruction of different marine habitats. In tropical countries sedimentation

or direct infilling linked to coastal construction work has commonly caused degradation of both coral

reefs and sea grass beds.

It may be possible that abiotic factors and substratum type are the most active controlling factors for

distribution of faunal and floral species in the intertidal zone. The results also revealed that variations in

population density and abundance of dominant faunal species were significantly different in various

locations of sampling site but did not show any significant variations between seasons. Interrelationship

among the vegetations and animals are also clearly observed in the study.

REFRENCES:

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Bhadja. P. & Kundu, R. Community structure and distribution pattern of intertidal macrofauna in few anthropogenically influenced rocky coasts. Ind. J. Geo-Mar Sc.,in press,(2011).

Chapman, M.G. Patterns of spatial and temporal variation of macrofauna under boulders in a sheltered boulder field. Austral Ecology, 27: 211-228, (2002).

Crowe, T.P. & A.J. Underwood, Differences in dispersal of an intertidal gastropod in two habitats: the need for and design of repeated experimental transplantation. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 237: 31-60, (1999).

Grange, K. R., Rough water as a spawning stimulus in some Trochid and Turbinid Gastropods. N. 2. Journal of Marine and Freshwater research, 10(I): 203-16, (1976).

Glasby, T.M., Surface composition and orientation interact to affect subtidal epibiota. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 248: 177-190, (2000).

Jeffery, C. J. Determination of abundance and distribution of an intertidal barnacle: settlement or post-settlement mortality. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 246: 291-305, (2003).

Misra, S. Studies on the biodiversity and the impact of anthropogenic pressure on the ecology and biology of certain intertidal macrofauna. Ph.D. Thesis, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, India,(2004).

Misra, S. and Kundu, R. Seasonal variations in population dynamics of key intertidal mollusks at two contrasting locations. Aquatic Ecology. 39: 315-324, (2005).



Newell, R.C. Biology of intertidal animals. Elek Books, London, pp. 555, (1970).

Norton, T.A. The Ecology of Rocky coasts (eds. Moore, P.G. and Seed, R.) Hodder& Stoughton, London, pp. 7-21, (1985).

Patel, N.D. Ecological on few invertebrate macrofauna of Narara Reef off Gulf of Kachchh. Ph.D. Thesis, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, (2002).

Prasad, M. N. and Mansuri, A.P. Population density of the Limpet, Cellanaradiata (Born) in polluted waters at Porbandar, West coast of India. Ind. J. Mar. Sci. 11 : 180-181, (1982).

Sarvaiya, R.T. Many uses of Molluscs. Sci. Rep. 2: 278-280, (1988)

Underwood, A.J. & M.G. Chapman Spatial analyses of intertidal assemblages on sheltered rocky shores. Australian Journal of Ecology, (23): 138-157, (1998a).

Vaghela, A., Bhadja, P., Ramoliya, J., Patel, N. &Kundu, R. Seasonal variations in the water quality, diversity and population ecology of intertidal macrofauna at an industrially influenced coast. Water Science and Technology, (61): 1505-1514, (2010).

Vaghela, A. &Kundu, R. Spatiotemporal variations of hermit crab (crustacea : decapoda) inhabiting rocky shore along Saurashtra coast, western part of India. Ind. J. Geo-Mar Sc., in press, (2011).

Yung, A. M. Differential utilization of gastropod shells by three hermit crab species in North Inlet, South Carolina, U.S.A. Crustaceana(Suppl.) E. J. Brill. Leiden, 5, 49-51,(1979).

Table – 1. Check-list of the intertidal macrofauna recorded at various sampling sites Phylum : Porifera

SPONGES Sr. No.

Name Occurrence in sampling sites

Site A Site B Site C 1 Leucosolenia punctata + + + 2 Grantia sp. + + + 3 Oscarella sp. + + + 4 Chondrilla sp. + + + 5 Chalena sp. + + - 6 Halichondria sp. + + + 7 Microciona prolifera + + + 8 Euspongia sp. - + -

Phylum: Coelenterata CORALS

1 Montipora explanata - + + 2 Goniastraea aurea + + + 3 Madrepora sp. + + + 4 Meandrina sp. + + + 5 Goniastraea pectinata + + + 6 Favia favulus + + + 7 Fungia s. - + - 8 Portis lutea + + +



9 Flavellum caudatum + + - Phylum : Coelenterata

(Other than Corals)

1 Obelia sp. + + + 2 Spongodes sp. + + + 3 Dendraphyllia minuscula + + + 4 Metridium sp. + + + 5 Utricina tealia + + + 6 Zoanthus sp. + + +

Phylum : Ctenophora 1 Cestum sp. - + - 2 Coeloplana sp. + + +

Phylum : Platyhelminthis 1 Bipalium marinum + + - 2 Convoluta sp. - + - 3 Leptoplana sp. - + -

Phylum : Nimartea 1 Lineus marinus + + - 2 L. sanguineus - + +

Phylum: Annelida 1 Neris sp. + + + 2 Heteroneris sp. + + + 3 Eunice viridis + + + 4 Glycera iridis + + - 5 Chetopterus chetopterus + + + 6 Sabella pavonica + + - 7 Terebella sp + + + 8 Serpula sp. - + -

Phylum: Arthropoda 1 Balanus amphitrite + + + 2 Lepas sp. - - + 3 Gammarus sp. + + + 4 Bopyrus sp. - - + 5 Squilla squilla + + + 6 Pagurus longicarpus + + + 7 Hippa sp. + + - 8 Carainus maenas + + + 9 Pinaeus monodon + - - 10 Palinurus - + + 11 Clibanarius zebra + + + 12 clibanarius nathi + + + 13 Scopimera globosa + + + 14 Pinaeus indicus + - -

Phylum Echinodermata 1 Antedon sp. + + - 2 Pentaceros sp. + + + 3 Anthena sp. + + - 4 Ophioderma sp. + + +



5 Echinus sp. - - - 6 Strongylocentrotus sp. - + - 7 Clymeaster sp. - + - 8 Holothuria sp. - + +

Phylum Hemichordata 1 Balanoglossus (Ptycodera

flava) - + +

2 Saccoglossus kowalerkii + + - 3 Hadmania indica + + +

Phylum Mollusca 1 Chiton sp. - - + 2 Patella vulgata + + + 3 Loritta sp. + + + 4 Cypraea sp. + + + 5 Haliotis sp. + + - 6 Murex virgieus + + + 7 Aplysia oculifera + + - 8 Doris sp. + + + 9 Aeolis sp. - + - 10 Mytilus edulis + + + 11 Mya arenaria + + + 12 Venus sp. - + + 13 Ostrea sp. + + + 14 Pecten maximus - + - 15 Pinctada sp. + - - 16 Pinna bicolor + + + 17 Loligo sp. - - - 18 Octopus vulgaris + - - 19 Siphoneria siphoneria + + + 20 Turbo coronetus + + + 21 Turbo intercostalis + + + 22 Cellana radiata + + + 23 Cerithium careuleum + + + 24 Clypeomorus moniliferus + + + 25 Perna indicus + + + 26 Trochus radiatus + + + 27 Telescopium telescopium - + - 28 Xancus pyrum + - - 29 Mancinella bufo + + + 30 Nerita undata + - + 31 Nerita albiella - + + 32 Rhinoclavisinesis + + + 33 Zooanthus sp. - + + 34 Oliva oliva + + - 35 Purpura panama - + +

Phylum Chordata Class Pisces

1 Hemiramphus georgii - - +



2 Mugil jerdoni - + + 3 Mugil poicilus + + + 4 Boleophthalmus dentatus + - - 5 Periophthalmus dipes + - - 6 Tetradon inermis + + + 7 Boleophthalmus boddaerti + - + 8 Belone strongylurus - - + 9 Gobius cristatus + - + Table-2. Characteristics of Intertidal assemblages at the sampling sites: Macrofauna with

associated algae. ANIMAL ALGAE

Cellana radiata Ischnochiton camptus Turbo sp. Trochus sp. Planeria Eurythoe Conus piperatus Cyprea sp. Aplysia benedicti Cerithium caeruleum

Ulva lactuca Ulva lactuca, Chaetomorpha antennina Ulva lactuca, Gelidiella aerosa, Spatoglossum aspermum, Chaetomorpha antennina, Cystoseries indica, Sargassum swartzii, lyengaria stellata, Codium dwarkense. Ulva lactuca, Udotea indica, Chaetomorpha antennina, Cystoseria indica Sargassum swartzii, Iyengaria stellata, Codium dwarkense, Padina Ulva lactuca, Iuengaria stellata. Ulva lactuca, Cystoseria indica Ulva lactuca, Sargassum swartzii. Ulva lactuca, Sargassum swartzii, Gracillaria corticata Ulva lactuca, Sargassum swartzii, Turbinaria ornate, Stoechospermum marginatum Ulva lactuca, Cystoseria indiaca

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