Distribution of planktonic decapods with special reference to Acetes from nearshore waters of Bombay

Abstract

Distribution and seasonal variation of decapod larvae were studied from eight stations off Versova and Mahim during Nov. 1979 to Dec. 1980. Decapod larvae were encountered throughout the year contributing 7.27% of total zooplankton. Numerically, they were more off Versova (av. 1766/100 m3) than Mahim (av. 970/100 m3). Acetes spp. were common along both the transects. They were represented by Acetes indicus. A. siibogae and A. erythraeus. The effect of physico-chemical parameters in the occurrence of decapod larvae is discussed