The ecology of copepods from Hooghly estuary, West Bengal,India

Abstract

Spatial and temporal variations in the abundance and distribution of copepods in the lower stretch of Hooghly Estuary, West Bengal, India were studied from March 1980 February 1981 in relation to hydrological parameters. Most of the copepod species showed higher diversity and abundance during high saline premonsoon period (March-June). Monsoonal cycle induced seasonal rhythm on salinity and copepods. Postmonsoon period (November-February) was characterized with copepod repopulation and proliferation with a gradual salinity recovery. Neritic and limnetic species were stragglers in the environment and showed fortuitous distribution. Seven major families of copepods exhibited varying degrees of coexistence among themselves in the environment