Diversity of Microzooplankton (Tintinnida) in Muttukadu Backwaters, South East Coast of India

Species composition, density and diversity of tintinnids along with hydrographical parameters in Muttukadu backwaters (Lat. 12°47'N, Long. 80°15' E), South East coast of India were studied from February 2004 to May 2006. Fifteen species of tintinnids were recorded and among them, Favella ehrenbergi and Favella philippinensis were dominant during the study period. The observed maximum population density of tintinnids were 1,58,500 ind/m³ at location 1 during postmonsoon season in February 2006 may be due to the higher levels of salinity (ppt) and the higher peak in physicochemical parameters observed in postmonsoon seasons during the study period. The richness of phytoplankton showed their higher productivity and population density during 2005 in all the seasons after tsunami event.