Abstract
In the present investigation, a total of 5 species belonging to three genera such as Pomacanthus, Centropyge and Apolemichthys were reported from the 10 selected stations of Tamilnadu, south east coast of India. The diversity studies revealed that the species diversity, richness and evenness were comparatively higher at Rameshwaram and Kanniyakumari due to the rocky shore and coral reef ecosystem. Species composition study revealed that the smoke angel (Apolemichthys xanthurus) was found to be dominant group which constituting 57% of total fishes. The results of the present study evidenced that the occurrence and distribution of marine angel fishes were higher in Gulf of Mannar than other region of Tamilnadu. The present findings clearly explained about distribution pattern of marine angel fishes which could be useful for better understanding of the status of its diversity along southeast coast of India and also highlights the need for effective conservation measures of these commercially important marine ornamental fish group. Key words: South east coast of India, distribution, diversity, taxonomy, marine angelfishes, pomacanthidae.
Highlights
The marine ornamental fishes are one of the most popular attractions in worldwide due to their adaptability to live in confinement
The survey was made on the quantitative assessment of marine angel fish distribution and diversity in southeast coast of India
A total of 5 species of marine angelfishes belongs to 3 genera such as Pomacanthus (3), Centropyge (1) and Apolemichthys (1) were recorded between 1 and 20 m depth along Tamilnadu coast, South east coast of India
Summary
The marine ornamental fishes are one of the most popular attractions in worldwide due to their adaptability to live in confinement. A total of 1471 species of ornamental fish are traded globally (Wabnitz et al, 2003). Angelfishes (Pomocanthidae) are the most important group than damsel and anemone fish (33%), consisting of about 25% of the total trade (Sadovy, 1992). Pomacanthus angel fishes are one among the most highly prized of the coral reef fishes which contains 8 genera and 82 species worldwide (Debelius et al, 2003; Nelson, 2006). Marine angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) are among the most spectacularly coloured and widely recognized groups of coral reef-associated fishes. They are found on tropical reef bottoms, widespread in the Atlantic, Indian and pacific oceans (Murugan and Durgekar, 2008). The eggs float freely with currents until hatching, a high number falling victim to planktonic feeders (Thresher, 1982)
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