The meiofauna of the coralline sediments of Lakshadweep proved to be sufficiently rich and varied. All the typical meiofauna groups are present. The density of total meiofauna individuals in these intertidal sediments ranged from 26 animals/100 cm super(3) to 1440 animals/100 cm super(3). A list of 158 species collected on these islands is given along with their known geographical distribution. A high percentage of the Lakshadweep meiofauna is not endemic. All the genera and species recorded in the present survey are new to the meiofauna of Lakshadweep. The distribution of meiofauna is discussed in relation to the nature of the substratum and the age of these islands. The Lakshadweep meiofauna appears to exhibit only a limited phylogenetic development of its own, as known for certain other oceanic islands.
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