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.