Field Study on Corals and Coral Living Organisms in Van Tivu, in the Gulf of Mannar
Field Study on Corals and Coral Living Organisms in Van Tivu, in the Gulf of Mannar
Date
2005
Authors
Sakthivel, M
Ramathilagam, G
Pushparaj, A
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Fisheries Technologists (India)Cochin
Abstract
The results of the study on corals in the Van Tivu island in the Gulf of Mannar, are
presented. Eighteen species of stony corals were recorded in our study area. Favia, Porites,
Acropora, Tubipoira, and Montipora spp., were found to contribute about 80% of the total coral
population in Van tivu. The northeast and southwest transects were found to have higher
percentage of corals. The molluscs alone contributed about 30% of the total reef fauna. The
northeast transect had a good numerical data of molluscs. The vulnerable molluscan species
from this area was found to be Sqm spp. Different types of coral reef fishes were present
in the Van tivu. The notable ones are Butterfly fishes (Chaetodontidae), Parrot fishes (Scaridae),
Clown and Damsel fishes (Pomacentridae) and Lion and Scorpion fishes (Scorpaenidae). Coral
reef destruction was found to be caused by bio-eroding organisms. The common bio-eroders
observed during our field study were lion fish, butterflies, wrasses, Echinometra mathei
(Echinoderm) and Lambis spp. (Gastropods) and Tridacm spp. (Bivalves).
Description
Keywords
Van Tivu, planktons, corals, sponges, molluscs, bio-eroding organisms, line transect
Citation
Fishery Tech 42(1):11-16