Ecology of fouling organisms in Edaiyur backwaters, Kalpakkam

Abstract

Settlement pattern and seasonal succession of fouling organisms have been studied during the period April 1988 to March 1989 in Edaiyur (Tamil Nadu, India) backwaters near Kalpakkam. Fouling organisms observed were polychaetes, barnacles, green mussels, oysters, brown mussels and algae. A distinct pattern in the succession of species, mainly of a seasonal character was observed. It is suggested that the pattern of succession observed is due to the seasonal differences in ecological conditions. On the long-term panels, the observed maximum biomass of settlers was 103 g/dm super(2) after 328 days, whereas on the short-term panels, it was 37 g/dm super(2) in 17 days. The study showed the existence of considerable temporal variations both in the composition and abundance of the fouling community