Abstract

• A total of 25 species of amphipod were recorded from the southern Rakhine Coast. Elasmopus palu, E. pectenicrus, Hyale crassicornis and H. galateae distorta were by far the most numerous and widespread species at all stations. The composition of amphipod fauna was higher in seaweed habitats than the others. Maera quadrimana and M. serrata were recorded only on Halimeda opuntia and Gracilaria canaliculata. Melita zeylanica showed the common occurrence on all habitats. Parelasmopus suensis was recorded only on Gracilaria canaliculata. The highest abundance of amphipod at all stations was observed from November to March and the lowest from June to September. The abundance and species composition of amphipod were related to the algal blooming periods.