Hyperbenthic community and its trophic significance to Silago sihama and Toxotes chatareus in Palian mangrove estuary, Trang Province, Thailand

ABSTRACT

@#Aims:Hyperbenthos is a small animal living in water column above the bottom surface. They play an important role in the trophodynamics of coastal environments, as predator and prey. However, study of hyperbenthos in Palian mangrove estuary was scare. The aims of present study are to determine the diversity and abundance of hyperbenthos in the Palian mangrove estuary, to investigate the feeding ecology of Silago sihamaand Toxotes chatareusin the Palian mangrove estuary, and to elucidate the trophic role of hyperbenthos for benthic fish,S.sihamaand T.chatareus, in the Palianmangrove estuary.Methodology and results:Hyperbenthos and fishes were collected on 19-20 February 2015 using a sledge net (500 μm) and fish trap, respectively. A total of 19 hyperbenthos groups, belonging to seven phyla were found. Cumaceans were the major compartment of hyperbenthos community followed by prawns, mysid shrimps, polychaetes and crabs. Stomach content analysis revealed that both S.sihamaand T.chatareuswere carnivorous which fed mainly on polychaetes, prawns, crabs and other benthic organisms. Conclusion, significance and impact of studyIt can be concluded that hyperbenthos in Palian mangrove estuary are in high diversity and they are importance food source toS.sihamaand T.chatareusin Palian mangrove estuary, Trang Province, Thailand.