Density and Distribution of Meiofauna of Tamilnadu Coast

The meiofauna inhabiting the different sediment habitat of Tamilnadu was studied. A brief description of the density, sediment characters, total organic carbon and vertical distribution in different sediment habitats. diversity and cluster analysis is given. All the typical meiofauna groups are present. A quantitative estimate of the diverse taxonomic groups encountered is given.The density of total meiofauna individuals in these intertidal sediements ranged from 26 animals/l0 cm2 to 1440 animals/ 10 cm 2 . A list of 101 species identified from Tamilnadu Coast is given. several genera and species regarded as widespread and cosmopolitan were recorded. The evidence that several meiofauna species are widely distributed and any future investigations of the unexplored areas are likely to indicate a closer meiofaunal relationship is supported.The distribution of meiofauna is discussed in relation to the nature of the substratum.