Diversity and Abundance of Crinoids in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park of Andaman Island

Assessment of crinoid diversity was done at 6 islands of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (MGMNP) during January 2011 to June 2012. Line intercept transect method was employed at different depths between 5m - 30m to evaluate quantitative analysis. 21 species of crinoids belonging to 7 families and 14 genera were identified. Species richness and species eveness among the islands was not much varied but diversity index was quite different in study area of MGMNP. The numerical density of crinoids showed higher in Jolly Buoy Island (27.6ind/50m²) whereas it was less in Chester Island (5.9ind/50m²). Shannon-Index and Similarity index of crinoids in MGMNP was also estimated. The relative abundance of Comaster multibrachiatus (11.4) was found higher followed by Lamprometra palmate (9.8) and Pontiometra andersoni (9.1). It seems that community structure was stable along the study area. The distribution of crinoids in order to depth showed significant differences.