Circulation, multiplicity and classification of marine angelfishes (Pomacanthidae) of Tamilnadu, Southeast coast of India

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.