A Checklist of Benthic Foraminifera of Kudankulam Coast, Gulf of Mannar

A total of 15 sediment samples were analysed for benthic foraminiferan contents from the region off Kudankulam coast, Gulf Mannar during November 2006. The study revealed 60 benthic foraminiferan species belonging to 30 genera, 21 families, 10 super families and 4 suborders. Genus Quinqueloculina was most represented by 10 species. Ammonia beccarii and A. dentata were the most abundant species found in the coast. The study has highlighted that the species diversity of foraminiferans in this coast is rich and these organisms could be used as effective environmental health indicators. The report regarding foraminiferans from this region is the first of its kind which can serve as a baseline data for any environment monitoring study in this coast in future.