Abstract
The Godavari estuarine system extending over approximately316 km2 has significant annual variation of salinity dueto seasonal flooding which is mainly monsoon fed. This areahas dense vegetation of mangroves and is characterised bypredominance of Avicennia sp. Excoecaria agallochaand Rhizophora sp. In the coastal waters adjacent to themangroves three economically important species of prawns occur(Penaeus monodon, P. indicus and Metapenaeusmonoceros). Their larvae migrate and dwell in the mangroveenvironment. By analysis for the natural stable carbon isotoperatios, it was possible to establish the primary carbon sourcefrom the mangroves to that of larvae and juveniles of P. indicus and P. monodon. This information can be usedto exploit the mangrove habitat as prawnnurseries.
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Mohan, P.C., Rao, R.G. & Dehairs, F. Role of Godavari mangroves (India) in the production and survival of prawn larvae. Hydrobiologia 358, 317–320 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003105508328
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003105508328