Benthic macrofaunal assemblage in the arid zone mangroves of gulf of Kachchh-Gujarat

The total benthic macrofauna consisting of 62 species in 5 groups, viz. crustaceans (18), gastropods (17), bivalves (16), polychaetes (9) and fishes (2), was recorded in western Kachchh mangroves near Gujarat. The population densities of benthic macrofauna ranged from 424 to 2393 ind.m⁻², the diversity ranged from 1.84 to 2.45 bits ind.⁻¹, the richness varied between 0.82 and 0.98, and the evenness varied between 0.64 and 0.81. Two maximum diversity values were recorded during winter and summer. The salinity ranged from 34 to 44, temperature varied between 17 and 37°C, and the acidity ranged from 7 to 8.9.