Biodiversity of Reef Ichthyofauna in Cuddalore Coast, Southeast Coast of India Asta

Coral reefs have the highest degree of biodiversity in its complex ecosystem which is difficult to manage. Reefs are ecologically and structurally important and they are also important resources, both economically and in terms of biodiversity. Understanding of the diversity of reef ecosystem is an important basic need. Coral reefs fishes embed the concepts of beauty, diversity and complexity. In the coral reef ecosystem finfishes contribute considerably to the biomass and species diversity. Present study aims to provide basic information on reef fishes inhabiting the Cuddalore coastal waters. The present preliminary observation may stimulate better investigation in future for the reef formation and reef ichthyofauna along the Cuddalore coast.