NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJMS Vol.41(5) [October 2012]

Rare catch of Masturus lanceolatus (Lienard, 1840) Gill, 1885 from Parangipettai coast, Tamilnadu

Title: Rare catch of Masturus lanceolatus (Lienard, 1840) Gill, 1885 from Parangipettai coast, Tamilnadu

Authors: Das, Bandana; Gopalakrishnan, A.; Saravanakumar, A.

Abstract: Sharp-tail sunfish Masturus lanceolatus was caught from a depth of 70-100 m in the drift gill net operated 20 km away from the Parangipettai coast of Tamilnadu. Morphometric and meristic measurement were made and found a total length of 127 cm and approximately weighed 70 kg. This species was recorded first time from the Parangipettai coastal waters and sixth citation in the Indian waters. It was cited after a decade.

Page(s): 489-490

Bayesian estimation of meiofaunal population using elicited information – A study with experts’ opinion in ecological models

Title: Bayesian estimation of meiofaunal population using elicited information – A study with experts’ opinion in ecological models

Authors: Kamal, Nasir V; Subbiah, M; Srinivasan, M R; Altaff, K; Naveed, M S; Sugumaran, J

Abstract: In most of the statistical models judgment from experts’ opinion has been required for the selection of predictor variables and functional relationships. Ecology, as in other branches of science, involves a complex mechanism of influence on data and its analysis is usually based on sound statistical principles. It is possible to construct realistic ecological models that explain the complex data and could provide the basis for further inference. In this study, an attempt has been made to estimate the prevalence of Meiofaunal population based on the data collected in five stations (Adyar, Marina, Napier, Pulicat and Royapuram) of Chennai coast and the elicited information that would form a basis for constructing realistic priors. Further data pertaining to foraminiferans, a rare group of meiofauna from the five stations of Chennai coast is subjected to Bayesian analysis and the results are discussed.

Page(s): 473-488

Oxygen consumption rate of the estuarine Psammobiid clam Soletellina diphos (linnaeus) under various Environmental conditions

Title: Oxygen consumption rate of the estuarine Psammobiid clam Soletellina diphos (linnaeus) under various Environmental conditions

Authors: Taware, S. S.; Lagade, V. M.; Muley, D. V.

Abstract: Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of the estuarine clam, Soletellina diphos (Linnaeus) was studied in the laboratory. The OCR was measured against a range of body size and weight, and under conditions of starvation, aerial exposure, temperature and low salinity. The pattern of diurnal rhythm was also investigated. The OCR was found to be inversely related to body size and body weight. It decreased considerably with starvation but, with exposure to atmospheric air, it increased up to 3rd hour and reached to the normal level by the 5th hour. The OCR increased with rise in temperature from 20 ^oC to 35 ^oC. It altered with decrease in salinity as compared to normal salinity (38 ‰), it was highest at 70 % and lowest at 40 % of normal seawater. A distinct diurnal rhythm in OCR was observed in these clams. The OCR was greater around afternoon and at a lowest level around midnight.

Page(s): 468-472

Faunal composition of metazoan meiofauna from the southeast continental shelf of India

Title: Faunal composition of metazoan meiofauna from the southeast continental shelf of India

Authors: Ansari, K.G.M.T.; Lyla, P.S.; Khan, S. Ajmal

Abstract: Analysis of the faunal composition of meiobenthos in the sediments of the southeast continental shelf of India showed nine taxonomic groups. Among these, nematoda, copepod and foraminifera were dominant. As many as 192 species of free-living marine nematodes, 39 species of harpacticoid copepods and 39 species of foraminiferans were identified. Other groups of metazoans encountered were polychaetes, ostracods, isopods, cumaceans, tanaidacea and tardigarda. Free-living marine nematodes constituted 57.63% of the total meiofaunal organisms. Harpacticoid copepods, foraminiferans and others constituted 14.77%, 13.89% and 13.71% respectively. Xyalidae, Desmodoridae, Comesomatidae and Linhomoeidae were the most dominant families of nematodes. These families were represented in all the depths. The abundance of nematodes showed a decrease with increase in depth (207.7±19.2 no. of ind. /10 cm²at 30-50 m depth to 34.6±6.5 no. of ind. /10cm² at >175 m depth). Similarly the number species also decreased with increase in depth (from 151 species at 30-50 m depth to 58 species at >175 m depth). More number of species were found in the Southern part of the study area than the Northern part.

Page(s): 457-467