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Diversity and Distribution of Polychaetes (Annelida: Polychaeta) Along Maharashtra Coast, India

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Aquatic Ecosystem: Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation

Abstract

Polychaetes are an important component in marine benthic communities having high ecological and economical significance. The scientific information on this group in Indian waters is scanty particularly with reference to costal region of Maharashtra. There are many polychaete records published from different localities of Maharashtra, but comprehensive report is still lacking. Hence, a systematic list of all the valid polychaete species along with their distribution is provided in this paper. A total of 180 species and seven subspecies of polychaetes in 113 genera in 21 subfamilies under 41 families and six orders have been recorded so far from Maharashtra coast. Suggestions are given for further biosystematic studies on the group in the state and the country as a whole.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Dr. K. Venkataraman, Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, for constant support and encouragement. Special thanks are due to Mr. M.V. Rao, Scientist-D, Wood Biodegradation Centre (Marine), Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Visakhapatnam, for providing literature. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia for some polychaetes is sincerely acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Western Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Vidya Nagar, Sector No. 29, P.C.N.T Post, Rawet Road, Akurdi, Pune, 411 044, Maharashtra, India

    S. K. Pati & R. M. Sharma

  2. Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, 110 001, National Capital Territory of Delhi, India

    D. Swain & K. C. Sahu

  3. Fishery Survey of India, 2nd & 3rd Floor, Botawala Chambers, Sir P.M. Road, Fort, Mumbai, 400 001, Maharashtra, India

    K. C. Sahu

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  1. S. K. Pati
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  2. D. Swain
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  3. K. C. Sahu
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  4. R. M. Sharma
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Correspondence to S. K. Pati .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Water & Health Program, Ecology and Rural Development Society, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

    Mamta Rawat

  2. School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, Delhi, India

    Sumit Dookia

  3. A & N Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andaman and Nico.In., India

    Chandrakasan Sivaperuman

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Pati, S.K., Swain, D., Sahu, K.C., Sharma, R.M. (2015). Diversity and Distribution of Polychaetes (Annelida: Polychaeta) Along Maharashtra Coast, India. In: Rawat, M., Dookia, S., Sivaperuman, C. (eds) Aquatic Ecosystem: Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2178-4_5

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