Distribution of Marine Polychaetes of India

Polychaetes are bristle-bearing segmented worms belonging to phylum Annelida, class Polychaeta. Polychaetes being the most dominant groups in benthic infaunal commtmities contribute about 80% to the total macrobenthic community and their diet include microbial (bacteria, microalgae, protists and fungi), meiobial and organic substance (Shou et al., 2009). In the trophic system, benthic fauna plays a significant role as they exploit all forms of food available in the sediment and form an important link in the energy transfer (Crisp, 1971, Shou et al, 2009). Polychaetes form an important component in the marine food chain especially for bottom fish and some mammals as they form an important source of food for demersal fish (Parulekar et al. 1982; Herman et al. 2000). Worldwide number of Polychaetes estimated as 8000 species (Bianchi & Morri, 2000; Fredj et al., 1992).