Some aspects of the ecology of littoral invertebrates in a coastal lagoon of southern Oman

Some aspects of the ecology of benthic, planktonic and weed-associated littoral invertebrates of a coastal lagoon in southern Oman are described. Invertebrates were studied at five sites during two pre-flood months and one post-flood month; 38 taxa belonging to 22 major groups were recorded. Their distribution and relative importance were variable at sites and in sampling months. Five categories adapted to the fluctuating salinity regime of the lagoon were recognized. The overall littoral diversity was low. Similarity, diversity and evenness indices reflect the spatial and temporal response of communities to environmental conditions influenced by floods.