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¹ Sathyabama University, Centre for Ocean Research, NIOT-SU Collaborative Research Centre, Chennai, 600119, Tamilnadu, India DOI : 10.4194/trjfas.2011.0214 Viewed : 4193 - Downloaded : 2862 Univariate diversity indices and multivariate cluster analysis were performed in order to evaluate the year wise and depth wise bio diversity of deep sea prawns between 150-650 m in the upper continental slope of Arabian Sea, off Kerala, South India. Data were collected from both exploratory surveys as well as commercial deep sea -to fishery off Kerala coast between latitudes 7°N to 13°N. Biodiversity and species assemblage are discussed considering the different environmental characters as well as deep sea fishing intensity. Analysis of biodiversity indices of deep sea prawns off Kerala during different months of 2000-01 and 2001-02 revealed that the biodiversity indices were high at 150-250 and 251-350 m whereas in higher depth zones of 351-450, 451-550 and 551-650 m, the diversity is gradually declining. The species richness was also found maximum at relatively lower depth zones of 251-350 m in contrast to the low values registered in higher depths. The results showed the variation in species diversity, abundance and evenness of deep sea prawns observed at various depth zones might be due to the combined effect of both nature of substratum and the prevailing water temperature, besides the impacts of deep sea trawling operations. Keywords : Deep sea prawns, bio diversity indices, species richness