Diversity and distribution of tide pool ornamental fishes along the Andaman coast (Andaman Sea), India

摘要

The island ecosystem of the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands in the Andaman Sea region is well known for its rich biodiversity, particularly with regard to its intertidal environment. It is especially diverse in its fisheries resources, specifically the marine ornamental fishes that inhabit the tide pools. Information on these organisms, however, particularly with regard to the dominant species within the stressful tide pool ecosystem, is almost absent. In this study, we investigate species diversity and distribution patterns of ornamental fishes and their associated flora and fauna in the tide pool environment along the South Andaman coast. During the study period, a total of 100 tide pools of various sizes were investigated, and 35 species belonging to 22 families of ornamental fishes were recorded. In addition, a total of 128 species including mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, cnidarians and seaweeds were recorded as major constituents of associated organisms in the tide pool environment. The study suggests that the tide pools are dominated primarily by juveniles of ornamental fish species, with a few ornamental species preferring to spend different stages of their life cycles in tide pool conditions.