Occurrence of opportunistic invasive macroalgal genus Caulerpa and Halimeda opuntia in coral reefs of Gulf of Mannar

nvestigations on indigenous and non-indigenous invasive flora fauna of a certain geographical area are always important to assess their impact native biodiversity control spread by making conservation strategies protect biodiversity. In this study, we have encountered overwhelming growth six seaweed species, Caulerpa racemosa, C. serrulata, sertularioides, taxifolia, peltata, Halimeda opuntia the reef flat. These algal covers appear compete with coral polyps restrict settlement resilience. Our concern species distribution in Gulf Mannar revealed these overgrowing which can become potential threats reefs, benthic diversity, assemblage. observations will help us develop multidisciplinary management approaches related expansion, mitigation, opportunistic species. Further seasonal monitoring is under process investigate spatial shift patterns various forms.