Linking fish and crustacean taxonomic composition with seasonal contrasts in the soft-bottom intertidal zone

Abstract The primary objective of this study was to investigate the seasonal fish and crustacean variations concerning taxonomic composition, species richness, diversity in sandy beach habitat. For purpose, we investigated Sonmiani Hor lagoon area during four distinct seasons, i.e., northeast (NE) monsoon, pre-monsoon, south-west (SW) post-monsoon for one year. During each haul, net pulled about 100m along 0.5m depth. results showed a strong linear correlation between index equitability fishes (r = 0.978). negatively correlated with abundance biomass -0.978, -0.972, respectively). physical attributes like sea surface water temperature salinity negative effect on assemblages -0.981 -0.943, mean air illustrated approximately 3°C difference NE pre-monsoon seasons. However, salinity, pH, electrical conductivity did not show any significant variabilities. Under ecological indices, displayed higher (H’ 3.19) SW whereas lowest observed 1.58). however, remained more noticeable monsoon (J’ 0.81). total number individuals crustaceans reached 4799 3813 986 crustaceans. A 27 families while five comprising 30 genera 38 ten 17 were recorded. Liza subviridis highest among sampled species. In conclusion, constituted part coastal fauna area. composition diversity.