Cyanobacterial Diversity from Mangrove Sediment of South East Coast of India

Cyanobacterial diversity was studied in three different mangrove environments of Pichavaram (Lat.11º27’ N; Long. 79º47’ E), Porto Novo (Lat. 11º29’ N; Long. 79º47’ E), and Mudasal Odai (Lat. 11º28’ N and Long. 79º46’ E) in the southeast coast of India. Totally 68 species belonging to 28 genera and 10 families were recorded. The number of species was higher in Pichavaram than the other two-study areas. In Pichavaram, 63 species, 28 genera and 10 families were isolated. In Porto Novo, 53 species, 26 genera and 10 families were obtained. In Mudasal Odai, 40 species, 20 genera and 9 families were registered. Totally 58 species of non-heterocystous and 10 species of heterocystous cyanobacteria were observed. The family Oscillatoriaceae was dominant, represented with 34 species (75.8%). Out of 28 genera, Oscillatoria (14 spp.) was the dominant. Thirteen species were found common to all the three mangrove areas. Dominant species were four in Pichavaram, six in Porto Novo and four in Mudasal Odai. Abundant species were seven in Pichavaram, 11 in Porto Novo and five in Mudasal Odai. Co-abundant species were 18 in all the study areas.

 

Keywords - Cyanobacteria; Diversity; Mangroves; Sediment;

Benthic forms