Species composition, distribution, seasonal variation of population density and community structure of polychaete fauna in the coastal tract of Midnapore District were studied during 2000-2002. The effects of ecological parameters such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, sediment texture and organic matter on the distribution, density and community of polychaetes were assessed. Eighteen species of polychaetes belonging to 13 genera and 10 families were recorded. Species belonging to the sub group Errantia were found to be more abundant than those belonging to the sub group Sedentaria. Community indices like species diversity index, species richness index, evenness index and dominance index differed among the study sites and seasons.

Polychaetes, intertidal belt, Midnapore coastal tract, ecological parameters, distribution