Species Composition of Crustaceans of Korapuzha Estuary, Kerala, India

Abstract

The Korapuzha estuarine ecosystem, acting as a link between the freshwater expanse of Akalapuzha and the seawater at Elathur, is characterized by delicate and fragile features. Besides its ecological importance, scientific studies on faunal diversity of Korapuzha is very scarce which emphasizes the necessity of elaborate studies. The present study focusses on species composition of crustaceans, playing a vital role in biogeochemical cycles. The study aims to undertake comprehensive study on crustaceans of Korapuzha estuary, thus minimizing the critical gap in understanding the estuarine ecosystem. Sampling efforts were from 2021 to 2023 involving local participation using various gears. 30 crustaceans were identified under 21 genera, 11 families and two orders, showcasing the complexity in faunal diversity of crustaceans. Shrimps (Fenneropenaeus indicus) and crabs (Scylla serrata) were the dominant species of commercial fisheries. The study highlighted the non-commercial species like Clibanarius infraspinatus (hermit crabs), Balanus Amphitrite and Balanus balanoides (Barnales) and Oratosquilla sp (mantis shrimp). The present study focused on understanding of Korapuzha estuary in detail, thus generating baseline data for conservation and management of estuary. The study also stresses on the economic importance of commercial crustaceans and shows the need for long-term effective conservational measures.