Distribution of hydromedusae from the exclusive economic zone of the west and east coasts of India

Abstract

Distribution and abundance of hydromedusae from the exclusive economic zone of the west and east coasts of India is carried out based on zooplankton collections (on board FORV Sagar Sampada) during the period 1985-1990. The 661 samples collected from 28 cruises of west and east coasts were analysed. Eighty species of 43 genera were observed. In the west coast highest population density was found from the southwest region whereas in the east coast it was from the North eastern part. Aglaura hemistoma was the most dominant species of west coast while Liriope tetraphylla was that of the east coast. Solmundella bitentaculata was the next abundant species of both the coasts. Cytaeis tetrastyla, Rhopalonema velatum and Crossota alba were the next commonly occurring species of west coast while R. velatum, C. tetrastyla, Bougainvillia fulva and Phialidium hemisphaericum were the common forms of the east coast. Aequorea conica was noticed in swarms from west coast. The study indicates the richness of hydromedusae along the coastal waters of India.