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Gastropoda merupakan keong yang bernilai ekonomis tinggi karena cangkangnya diambil sebagai bahan untuk perhiasan dan cinderamata, sedangkan dagingnya merupakan makanan yang lezat. Beberapa jenis keong yang bernilai ekonomis diantaranya dari famili Strombidae, Cypraeidae, Olividae, Conidae, dan Tonnidae. Mempelajari pentingnya manfaat Gastropoda, maka diperlukan adanya kajian tentang hewan tersebut. Oleh karena itu peneliti tertarik untuk melakukan penelitian mengenai hewan Gastropoda yang meliputi jenis dan kelimpahan gastropoda di perairan Kota Bengkulu khususnya di Pantai Teluk Sepang Kota Bengkulu. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei dengan menggunakan transek 1x1 meter. Data yang diukur berupa data identifikasi dan data kelimpahan Gastropoda. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, terdapat sembilan jenis Gastropoda dengan kelimpahan yaitu 216 ind/m2 Cerithidea cingulata, 7 ind/m² Natica gualteriana, 3 ind/m² Trochusconus, 8 ind/m² Turbo chrysostomus, 7 ind/m2 Telescopium telescopium, 9 ind/m2 Strombus labiatus, 162 ind/m2 Cerithidea obtuse, 3 ind/m2 Vexillum rugosum, dan 164 ind/m2 Cerithide aquadrata. Kata kunci: Gastropoda, Pantai Teluk Sepang, identifikasi, Moluska

This study generally aimed to determine the spatial zonation and diversity of bivalves and gastropods in mangrove forest of Cozo, Esteves and Tinib in Casiguran, Aurora. Specifically, this aimed to determine the species composition and distribution, and determine the relationship between spatial zonation and diversity of bivalves and gastropods as influenced by ecological factors such as vegetation, soil texture, organic matter, soil salinity, and soil pH. A total of 22 taxa comprising eight species of bivalves and 14 species of gastropods were identified. The high tidal zone of Esteves had high diversity (0.66) of bivalve species compared to other tidal zones and areas. On the other hand, the diversity of gastropods was almost equal in the middle tidal zones of Cozo (0.60), Esteves (0.57), and Tinib (0.42). In terms of bivalve species’ density and abundance, Dendostrea folium was the most dense and abundant in the low tidal zone of Cozo (253,333 ind.ha−1 or 25 ind.m2-1, 97.44%) while Gafrarium tumidum in the low tidal zones of Esteves (46,666 ind.ha−1 or 4 ind.m2-1, 73.68%) and Tinib (126,666 ind.ha−1 or 12 ind.m2-1, 50%). In terms of gastropod species’ density and abundance, Cerithidea cingulata was the most dense and abundant in the low tidal zone (666,666 ind.ha−1 or 66 ind.m2-1, 65.79%) of Cozo and the middle tidal zone (5,280,000 ind.ha−1 or 528 ind.m2-1, 61.40%) of Tinib. It was Terebralia palustris in the low tidal zone (1,263,333 ind.ha−1 or 126 ind.m2-1, 63.06%) of Esteves. All tidal zones within each study area had greater dissimilarities in terms of bivalves but had greater similarities in terms of gastropod species’ compositions. On the other hand, all tidal zones between study areas had greater dissimilarities in terms of bivalve and gastropod species present. Most tidal zones had Gafrarium tumidum as common bivalve species while Neritidae sp. and Cerithidea cingulata were common gastropod species. All these species were found thriving in a wide range of vegetation, soil texture, organic matter, soil salinity and pH.

Cerithidea cingulata and Littoraria scabra are type of snail that use mangrove ecosystems as one of their habitat. Dumai is one of the industrial cities in the province of Riau, where various kinds of human activities can disrupt the ecosystem of mangroves and its associated biota. This research was conducted in October 2018 in the Mangrove Forest Area (PAB) of Pangkalan Sesai village of Dumai City, aiming to determine population densities and length-weight relationship of C. cingulata and L. scabra. The method used in this study is a survey method. Sampling was conducted by using the line transect method, where each station consists of 3 transects and each transect consists of 3 sampling points as replications. The results showed the population density of C. cingulata and L. scabra snails was higher than at stations near the Dumai river estuary compared with the population near by mangrove forest and length-weight relationship showed that the growth patterns of both C. cingulata and L. scabra were allometric negative and have strong correlation value.

Shellfish is one of the organisms that have habitat in mangrove forests because it has a muddy substrate. However, mangrove forests in the coastal area of Kalangan, Central Tapanuli Regency have suffered environmental damage. Therefore, a research on the density and pattern of shellfish distribution is needed to be a recommendation for optimal, sutainable mangrove forest management. This research was conducted in September 2020. The method used in determining the location of sampling is purposive sampling method using 1x1m2 plot on the surface of muddy sand substrate. The results showed that the population density of Anodentia edentula 32 ind/m2 at Point I with grouping distribution patterns; Cerithidea cingulata 74 ind/m2 at Point I (grouping), 156 ind/m2 in Point II (grouping), and 126 ind/m2 in Point III (grouping); Cerithidea quadrata 2 ind/m2 in Point I (uniform); Clypeomorus sp 12 ind/m2 at Point I (uniform); Nerites sp 178 ind/m2 at Point I (group), 94 ind/m2 at Point II (group), and 418ind/m2 at Point III (grouping); Donax trunculus 3 ind/m2 at Point I (uniform); Sulcospira testudinaria 1 ind/m2 at Point I (uniform), 79 ind/m2 at Point II (grouping), and 32 ind/m2 at Point III (random), and Telescopium telescopium 2 ind/m2 at Point I (uniform), and 1 ind/m2 at Point III (random). So it can be concluded that the biodiversity of mollusca in mangrove forest ecosystems in the coastal area of Kalangan, Central Tapanuli Regency, is of low value so that it needs to be maintained for the sake of ecosystem balance and the availability of germplasm for future generations.

Colifrom bacteria are a group of microorganisms commonly used as indicators of water pollutants to determine whether water or waters have been contaminated by pathogenic bacteria or not. This study aims to determine the parameters of water quality in Kamal waters, to determine the presence of colifrom bacteria in Kamal waters and to determine the abundance of colifrom bacteria. The sample used in the study was Cerithidea cingulata. Sampling was carried out in 3 location points, each of which had 5 plots for taking Cerithidea cingulata. Analysis of colifrom bacteria was carried out in three stages, namely the estimation test, confirmation test and colifrom MPN calculation. Based on the National Standardization Agency and SNI 7388: 2009, the maximum limit of coliform MPN values is 1100 MPN / g, it is suspected that Kamal waters exceed the quality standard, which is 1100 MPN/g maka diduga perairan Kamal melebihi batas baku mutu yaitu

The diversity and abundance of bivalves and gastropods were studied from April to July 2015. Two sampling stations, Tinib and Esteves, in Casiguran, Aurora were selected based on the presence of mangrove forest, bivalves, gastropods, muddy substrate, and gleaners for the establishment of a transect line. Each station was laid with 100 meters transect line overlaid continuously with 2 m × 2 m quadrat along each transect. A total of 50 sampling units covering 0.02 ha area per sampling station were surveyed. The transect line recorded six species of bivalves distributed among five families and 12 species of gastropods belonging to eight families. Three species of bivalves and five species of gastropods were common to both sampling stations. However, Tinib station had most diverse species of bivalves (0.55) while Esteves station had most diverse species of gastropods (0.43). Both stations revealed Dendrostrea folium (43%) (bivalve) and Cerithidea cingulata (93%) (gastropods) as most frequently occurring species. Dendostrea folium also emerged as the densest (10,640 ind∙ha−1 and 6850 ind∙ha−1) and most abundant (58.52% and 77.84%) bivalve species. For gastropods, Terebralia sulcata (249,250 ind∙ha−1) was the densest and most abundant (96.97%) in Tinib while Terebralia palustris was the densest (747,050 ind∙ha−1) and most abundant (70.44%) in Esteves. Pooled results for bivalve species maintained Dendrostrea folium as the densest (8750 ind∙ha−1) and most abundant (64.81%). However, for gastropods, Terebralia palustris emerged as the densest (373,525 ind∙ha−1) and most abundant (56.70%) species. The mangrove forests of Casiguran, Aurora thus contain a variety of bivalves and gastropods with Tinib station dominated by bivalves while Esteves station dominated by gastropods.

The development of mangrove ecosystem has a significant impact on fishery resources, such as gastropod. This research aimed at studying the community structure of mangrove forest in Mojo village, to identifying and analyzing the composition and diversity of gastropod, and investigating the effect of mangrove community on the abundance and gastropod. The research was conducted in Mojo Village, Ulujami District, Pemalang Region from November to December 2017. Identification of species and density was conducted on mangrove species by means of line and plot transects, while the gastropod was sampled from the field then identified in the laboratory. Three sampling stations were occupied in the data collection. The data analysis was conducted for diversity indices, including heterogeneity and evenness both for mangrove and gastropod. Statistical data analysis was conducted by regression to analyze the effect of mangrove density on the abundance of gastropod. The result showed that only three mangrove species were found in Mojo village, including Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina and A. officinalis. Eight gastropod species were identified from mangrove forest of Mojo village. The most dominant gastropod species was Telescopium telescopium, followed by Cerithidea cingulata. The analysis of heterogeneity index showed a low value for mangrove community and medium value for the gastropod community, ranging from 0.353 to 0.720 and 1.462 to 1.812, respectively. Statistical data analysis showed that the density of R. mucronata and A. marina had a significant effect on the abundance of gastropod specieses, including Cerithidea quadrata and Casidula nucleus, both of which had logarithmic relationship trends.

Indonesia has a high diversity of marine life, including gastropods. The distribution of gastropods varies in various locations at sea such as at the location of seaweed cultivation in Suppa Regency. These types of gastropods have not been identified even though the public knows the benefits of this organism. Therefore, efforts are needed to inventory these types of gastropods. The purpose of this study was to determine Gastropods living together in seaweed aquaculture locations (Eucheuma sp) in Suppa District. This research uses free roaming techniques along the seaweed cultivation location. The population is all types of gastropods that live together in seaweed farming locations. Samples are types of gastropods found at seaweed farming locations. Samples of abiotic and biotic factors along seaweed farming locations are also recorded as supporting inventory data. Gastropods were found there were 9 (nine) types that came from 8 (eight) genera, 5 (five) families. There are 3 species found in all sampling points, namely Cerithidea cingulata, Terebralia sulcata, and Terebralia palustris. Species found in certain locations and not found in other locations are Telecospium telecospium, Faunus ater, Rhinoclavis vertagus, Strombus microurceus, Nerita insculpta, and Monodonta labio. The suggestion of this research is to periodically observe the diversity of gastropod species in seaweed cultivation locations to determine patterns of interaction between organisms and the environment that occur seaweed cultivation locations.Keywords: gastropods, seaweed, pinrang district

Diversity and abundance of macrozoobentos in Puteri Beach Sidokelar Lamongan. Macrozoobenthos are organisms that live on the bottom of waters, and are part of the food chain whose existence depends on the population of organisms at lower levels. This study aims to analyze the diversity of macrozoobenthos found on the coast of Puteri, Sidokelar Village, Lamongan Regency. Macrozoobenthic sampling using the transect method measuring 5 mx 5 m. The identification of this sample was carried out at the Biology Laboratory. Billfath University Lamongan using journa literature. The results of the study found 5 types of animals consisting of 4 types from the gastropod class 1 type from the class Bivalvia. Types of Cerithidea cingulata were the most common, with as many as 20 individuals. The least type was Gafrarium pectinatum which was found only in 1 individual. Diversity index (H ') in a moderate coastal ecosystem. The community is in a state of moderate stability or diversity with the number of individuals for each species is not uniform but no one is dominant (1

The present study aimed to determine metal accumulation levels in tissue and biomineralisation in shells of 20 species of molluscs (13 gastropods and 7 bivalves) from Palk Bay, India. In most cases, metal concentrations in the tissues were higher than in the shells of the same species collected from same location, meaning that in many cases biomineralisation factors of metal ratios were

Xiangshan bay is a narrow semi-closed bay and situated on the northwestern coast of the East China Sea. Over past decades, it has become to a major bay with intensive human activities, dense urbanized area, and poor water quality. The aim of this paper was to reveal the ecological status through the elucidation of the species composition, abundance, biomass and diversity of macrobenthos in this bay. Six intertidal sections were surveyed from January 2007 to November 2008 quarterly. Sections TG, HD and XH are located in the three inner bays, sections QJ and WS are located near the thermal power plants, and section XX is located at the outer part of Xiangshan Bay. Great variations in macrobenthos community were indentified, and the species composition of the community in the present study showed the dominance in the order of molluscs (bivalves and gastropods), crustaceans and others, and only few Polychaeta were recorded. Only three dominant species, Littorina brevicula, Ilyplax tansuiensis, and Cerithidea cingulata were collected in all the sections, and a total of 19 dominant species were recorded only in one section. Two-way ANOVA analyses of abundance indicated that there were significant differences among sections or seasons. Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) had its maximum (2.45) in section QJ, and minimum (1.76) in section TG. Multiple irregular k-dominance plots clearly showed that the study area was polluted and the macrobenthos community was under stress. We conclude that the macrobenthos of Xiangshan Bay have been disturbed by human activities, especially at the interior bay.

Shell selection behaviour and spatial distribution of three hermit crab species, Diogenes avarus, D. karwarensis, and Areopaguristes perspicax, were studied at six sites along the intertidal zones of Hormuz Island in the Persian Gulf. 1025 specimens were collected occupying altogether 31 shell species (D. avarus 28 species, A. perspicax 22 species, and D. karwarensis 8 species). Diogenes avarus was found to be by far the most abundant of these three crab species, and Cerithidea cingulata the dominant shell occupied by these hermit crabs. The distribution of the hermit crabs significantly varied (p

Shell use and partitioning of two sympatric hermit crab species ( Diogenes moosai and Diogenes lopochir ), as determined by shell shape, size and availability, were examined from August 2009 to March 2011 in a tropical mudflat (Malaysia). Shells of 14 gastropod species were used but > 85% comprised shells of Cerithidea cingulata , Nassarius cf. olivaceus , Nassarius jacksonianus , and Thais malayensis . Shell partitioning between hermit crab species, sexes, and developmental stages was evident from occupied shells of different species, shapes, and sizes. Extreme bias in shell use pattern by male and female of both species of hermit crabs suggests that shell shape, which depends on shell species, is the major determinant of shell use. The hermit crab must however fit well into the shell so that compatibility between crab size and shell size becomes crucial. Although shell availability possibly influenced shell use and hermit crab distribution, this is not critical in a tropical setting of high gastropod diversity and abundance.

We investigated the relationship between digestive function and ecological distribution for four related species of Gastropoda (Cerithidea rhizophorarum, Cerithidea cingulata, Batillaria multiformis, and Batillaria attra- mentaria) inhabiting the Tanaka River estuary (Mie Prefecture, Japan). We compared the digestive enzyme activities for four hard degradable carbohydrates, namely, cellulose, mannan, xylan, and laminarin. Among the investigated four species, Cerithidea rhizophorarum showed the highest cellulase, mannanase, xylanase, and laminarinase activi- ties, and was also dominantly distributed in the estuary reed bed. The results of CN stable isotopic analysis suggested that this species assimilated organic matter derived from reeds. Hard degradable carbohydrates, including plant com- ponents derived from the reed bed or from dry land, accumulate in the sediment of estuaries. Estuarine benthic ani- mals are assumed to consume these accumulated hard degradable carbohydrates, as well as microphytobenthos and particulate organic matter (including phytoplankton). Our present findings suggest that Cerithidea rhizophorarum is dominant in reed beds because it can more efficiently digest plant-derived carbohydrates than can Cerithidea cingu- lata, B. multiformis, and B. attramentaria. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first study to demonstrate that the specific ecological distribution of related animal species with similar ecological traits can be explained by the effi- ciency of their digestive enzyme activity.

This paper first reported species composition and distribution of biomass, habitat density and characteristics of community structure of benthos. The result has showed that 64 species is first recorded from intertidal zone at Sanmen, of which, most are eurythermal and eurychoric species, and the predominant species are Bluecoat exert, Morale iridescent,Cerithidea cingulata, Lunatia gilva, Laternula marilina and Gaetice depressus etc. .The range of benthic biomass is from 234.25g/m2 to 440g/m2; and habitat density is from 955.0 ind./m2 to 2950.0 ind./m2. The vertical distribution has shown that species, biomass and habitat density sequence on the intertidal zone are middle tide region > low tide region > high tide region.

The status of mollusk diversity and physical setting of mangrove areas in Catanduanes island, Luzon (Philippines) are described. A total of 57 species of molluscs, consisting of 27 gastropods and 30 bivalves were recorded in the island. The most abundant of these molluscs are the prosobranch, Terebralia sulcata; corbiculid bivalve, Geloina coaxans; potamidiids, Cerithidea cingulata and Cerithidea rhizophorarum; and two other species of the genus Littorina (Littorinopsis). Using the physiographic model, majority of the mangrove areas under study follow the composite river and wave-dominated setting with some few areas having the wave-dominated, tide-dominated allochthonous setting following the physiognomic model. Â Keywords:Â Mollusk diversity, mangrove areas, Philippines

Probolocoryphe species occur primarily as intestinal parasites of birds and mammals. Infection of the crab Nanosesarma minutum with the metacercarial cyst stages of Probolocoryphe uca is common in Kuwait Bay. In this study, the snail Cerithidea cingulata was used to determine if it would serve as first intermediate host in the parasite's life cycle. To determine the snail-crab link in the life cycle of P. uca based on rDNA molecular data, ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the metacercarial cyst stage from the crab N. minutum and the sporocyst stage from the snail C. cingulata were sequenced and compared. Sequence alignment clearly demonstrated that the sporocysts and metacercariae belonged to P. uca. Comparisons were also made between the ITS sequences of P. uca and other digenean species available in GenBank. NCBI databases were used for sequence homology analysis using BLAST, ClustalW, and MUSCLE. The phylogenetic trees based on the homology analysis of the ITS (1 and 2) sequences constructed using PHYLIP and MEGA 4.0 confirmed the identification and positioned P. uca in the Microphallidae family.

The study area experiences the sea water influx during high tide and fresh water during rainfall, flooding season etc. The Creek area is beset mostly with dwarf mangroves on either side, aquaculture ponds, agriculture fields, saltpans etc. The Creek life is influenced by these activities either directly or indirectly throughout the year. It is an almost unexplored area and is represented with diverse fauna and flora. In observation of that, the current investigation was undertaken to study the status of bioaccumulation of heavy metals, specifically Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Ni and Fe in soft tissues namely, in foot, digestive caecum, total body and operculum and shells of three different species of molluscs namely Telescopium telescopium, Cerithidea obtusa and Cerithidea cingulata using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. All the outcomes were expressed in μg/gram of dry weight and the end result reveals reflective amounts of heavy metals, except Cd, Pb and Ni. The statistical analysis of all in vitro studies of heavy metal concentration within and in between the matching organs of all tested species with oneway ANOVA showed significant difference except one. It can be concluded that, although molluscs provide information on the bioavailability of contaminants in ecosystems, it is hardly possible to derive any predictions of biological effects of these pollutants at the given level of exposure; such predictions are the main perspectives of biological effect monitoring.

Stictodora tridactyla is an intestinal fluke in the family Heterophyidae that parasitizes shorebirds and mammals, including humans. Its metacercarial cyst stage was reported in the Arabian killifish, Aphanius dispar, at Kuwait Bay. In the present study, Cerithidea cingulata was found to serve as the first intermediate host of S. tridactyla. In order to establish the snail-fish link in the life cycle of S. tridactyla, complete sequences of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region 1 and 2 (rDNA ITS1 and ITS2) and partial sequence of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 were obtained for metacercarial cysts isolated from the fish A. dispar and rediae isolated from the snail C. cingulata. Sequence alignment demonstrated that these larval stages belong to the same heterophyid species, S. tridactyla. Phylogenetic analysis based on rDNA ITS1, ITS2, and mtCO1 confirmed the position of S. tridactyla within the Heterophyidae and found it to cluster with Haplorchis spp. The present study represents the first molecular study correlating the larval stages of S. tridactyla using rDNA ITS1, ITS2, and mtCO1 and examining the phylogenetic relationships of S. tridactyla with different heterophyid species.

Phylogenetic relationships and genetic population structures were analyzed for tideland gastropods in the genus Cerithidea around Japan on the basis of partial sequence of the mitochondrial COI gene. Large genetic divergence was shown between individuals of Cerithidea cingulata in the southern Ryukyus and those in the central Ryukyus and the Japanese Islands. Haplotypes of C. cingulata from the Japanese Islands were paraphyletic with the exclusion of a monophyletic group from the central Ryukyus. Genetic differentiation of C. cingulata was also detected between Amami-Oshima Island and Okinawajima Island. No genetic divergence was found between Cerithidea rhizophorarum in the Japanese Islands and its subspecies C. rhizophorarum morchii in the Ryukyu Islands. The lack of genetic divergence of Cerithidea largillierti between continental China and Japan suggests relatively recent migration between the Japanese Islands and the Asian continent. For all three Cerithidea species distributed in both the Japanese Islands and the Ryukyu Islands, the Tokara Gap and the Kerama Gap were shown to have acted as barriers to the dispersal.

Gastropod was one of the class from mollusca in mangrove ecosystem. Lubuk Kertang Village's mangrove forest was been converted into tourist areas, agricultural land and settlements. The purpose of this study was to analyze the structure of gastropods at Avicennia lanata, Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba. This research was conducted at Lubuk Kertang Village in February-March 2017. Gastropod were collected in 1 m × 1 m transect in mangrove. Examples of biota were taken by using shovel, then the biota was inserted into a plastic bag sample, wrote date of sampling and identified. The results showed there were 15 species Gastropods, namely Achatina fulica, Cerithidea alata, Cerithidea cingulata, Cerithidea obtusa, Chicoreus capucinus, Cymatium pileare, Ellobium aurimisdae, Ellobium aurisjudae, Littoraria melanostoma, Littoraria scabra, Murex tribulus, Nerita balteata, Nerita planospira, Pugilina cochlidium, Stramonita gradata, Telescopium telescopium and Terebralia sulcata. Diversity index ranged 1.702 to 2.165 was in medium category, Similarity index ranged 0.676 to 0.799 was in low category and Dominance index ranged 0.142 to 0.282 that categorized was low. The highest gastropod density was 31 individuals/m2 in the Sonneratia alba. The conclusion of the research is the existing mangrove ecosystem in Lubuk Kertang Village in a stable state.

The coastal environment of West Bengal is recognized as the most diversified and productive ecosystem among all the maritime states of India. This area faces organic pollution from domestic sewage and toxic pollution from industrial effluents leading to serious impacts on water and sediment quality as well as on biodiversity. This article aims at providing information on concentration levels of heavy metals (iron, zinc, copper, manganese, cadmium, and mercury) in the tissues of a suspension feeder bivalve Macoma birmanica, whole body tissues of five gastropods (Cerithidea cingulata, C. obtusa, Telescopium telescopium, Thais lacera and Nerita articulata) and four finfishes (Liza tade, Harpodon nehereus, Trichiurus sp., and Boleopthalmus sp.) collected from water bodies of Sagar Island (22° 19′ N; 80° 03′ E), the largest delta of Sundarbans. A general trend with the following in decreasing order occurred: Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Cd>Hg. Both species-dependent variability and temporal variations were pronounced. A high degree of organ specificity was evident in M. birmanica where gill and mantle exhibited higher metal accumulation due to the ion exchange property of the mucous layer covering these organs. Gastropods and finfishes were differentially selective for a range of metals, reflecting the availability of the elements in the environment and the diet and digestive physiology of these organisms. An overall elevated concentration of these metals was observed during monsoon months when low pH and salinity prevailed in the ambient medium. A continuous monitoring program is recommended to establish the studied organisms as bioindicators and to identify future changes to conserve the “health” of this fragile ecosystem.

Research on the diversity of invertebrate epifaunas associating with mangroves in the Balangdatu village of Tanakeke regency, Takalar district, South Sulawesi, has been conducted from September to December 2016. The objective of this research was to know the diversity of invertebrate epifaunas associating with mangrove in Balangdatu Village of Tanakeke Islands. Sample collection was done by using explorative quantitatively plot methods with size 2 x 2 m, applied at three different stations. Data analysis includes calculation of Absolute density, Uniformity Index (Shannon-wiener), Dominance Index, and Distribution Index. The results showed that there were 13 species of epi fauna of 9 tribes, namely Littoraria sp 1, Cerithidea cingulata , Littoraria sp 2, Littoraria pallescens , Episesarma sp , Saccostrea cucullata , Pagurus sp, Terebralia sulcata , Cerithidea sp , Nerita planospira , Nisto histrio , Littoraria scabra , and Cassidula vespertilionis . The highest density was found in Littoraria scabra with a density of 0.72 ind/m 2 . Diversity indices are low which indicate depressed environmental conditions. Distribution Index values across stations

Summary Gonadal maturation, spawning, fecundity and timing of reproduction of the snail Cerithidea cingulata in a brackish water pond in Molo, Iloilo, Philippines, are described. Snails 4–41 mm in shell length were sampled monthly from May 1997 to May 1998; 25% were 30 mm. The sexes are separate and could first be distinguished at 15 mm. Males are aphallic, have narrower shells than females of the same length, and have bright yellow-orange testes overlying the digestive gland deep inside the shell. Females have more robust shells, an ovipositor at the right side of the foot, and yellow-green ovaries overlying the digestive gland. The sex ratio was one male to two females in the pond population studied. Gonadal maturation was monitored by means of gonadosomatic index (GSI, gonad weight as a percent of visceral weight); maturation stages were based on the gonad appearance (immature, developing, mature) and histology (immature, developing, mature, redeveloping). GSI in...

The prosobranch gastropod Cerithidea cingulata (Gastropoda: Potamididae) in Kuwait Bay was examined for larval trematode infections over a 17-month period. A total of 2537 snails were examined and 1265 (49.9%) found to be infected with one or more species of trematodes. The component community in the snail comprised 12 species representing the families Cyathocotylidae (2), Echinostomatidae (2), Haplosplanchnidae (1), Heterophyidae (2), Microphallidae (1), Philophthalmidae (2), Plagiorchiidae (1) and Schistosomatidae (1). Cyathocotylid II (41.6%) was by far the most prevalent species followed by the microphallid (3.9%), the two species comprised 90% of the total trematode fauna. The prevalence of infection increased with shell size and was significantly higher in male (47%) than female (33%) snails. Multiple infections were observed in only 15 (1.2%) of the infected snails; cyathocotylid I and cyathocotylid II combination occurred 14 times and heterophyid I and the microphallid occurred once. Trematode species were more diverse and prevalent in winter, and cercarial shedding peaked in summer. Behaviour of the definitive host and snail population dynamics were probably the major contributors to the detected temporal pattern in the infections.

The potamidid snail Cerithidea cingulata is considered a pest in brackishwater milkfish ponds in the Philippines and has been controlled by the triphenyltin (TPT) compounds Aquatin and Brestan. But TPT is also toxic to other invertebrates, fishes, algae, bacteria and people, and high TPT residues occur in sea foods including milkfish. Thus, control of snails in milkfish ponds should be shifted from reliance on TPT to an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. To formulate a responsible IPM, studies were conducted on C. cingulata in ponds and mangroves and the available data were synthesized with the relevant information from the literature. The deposit-feeding C. cingulata is a native resident of mangrove areas and becomes a problem in mangrove-derived ponds where the lack of competitors and predators results in 'ecological release' and population explosion. Snail densities ranged 1–470 m−2 in the mangroves and 100–5000 m−2 in ponds. In ponds, snails ranged 2–40 mm in shell length; those 25 mm long and 8 mm wide weighed 1 g on average, and had 150 mg flesh. Snails matured at 20 mm long and reproduced the whole year with a peak in Mar–Sep at water temperatures of 24–36 °C. Enriched sediments and stagnant water in ponds allowed fast growth and reproduction, low dispersal and high recruitment of snails. Snails were very tolerant to hypoxia and adverse conditions, but were killed within a week by sun-drying or by salinities of 48–70‰ and within 3 d by ammonium phosphate at 10 g l−1 or urea at 5 g l−1. IPM of snails requires changes in mind sets and perspectives of milkfish farmers and industry supporters and changes in farm practices and management. Snails must be viewed as a resource from which income can be made and employment can be generated. Harvest of snails for shellcraft and other enterprises also effectively removes the spawning population. Complete draining and sun-drying of ponds after harvest kills the adult snails and the egg strings on the bottom. Snails in puddles in the ponds may be killed by the usual nitrogen fertilizers and lime applied during pond preparation. Water input may be timed with periods of low veliger counts in the supply water. These IPM recommendations have yet to be verified.

A survey conducted to know the diversity of malacofauna in Vellar estuarine mangroves (southeast coast of India). In this study, 13 species of molluscs (10 species of gastropods - Melampus ceylonicus, Cerithidea cingulata, Cassidula nucleus, Pythia plicata, Neritina (Dostia) violacea, Littorina scabra, Littorina melanostoma, Ellobium aurisjudae, C. obtusa T. telescopium and Assiminea nitida and 3 species of bivalves - Perna viridis, Crassostrea madrasensis and Modiolus metcalfei were recorded. M. pulchella, C. obtusa, L. scabra and N. violacea were found arboreal. T. telescopium, C. cingulata and E. aurisjudae were found crawling on the intertidal mud.

Toxicity tests on the effect of tobacco dust against brackishwater pond snails (Cerithidea cingulata Gmelin) of various stages or size ranges were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. The 72-h LC50 for the juveniles, sub-adult and adult snails are 30, 87 and 166 kg ha−1, respectively, while the 72-h LC99 are 290, 522 and 712 kg ha−1, respectively. The nicotine content of the tobacco dust used was 2.8%. Lethal concentration increased as the life stages or size of the snail increased. Molluscicidal activity also progressively increased with time of exposure. The nicotine content and toxicity of different types of tobacco [flue-cured (neutral), flue-cured (full-flavor), burley and batek (full-flavor)] were determined on adult snails. Lethal concentrations (LC50) and (LC99) decreased as nicotine content of the tobacco dust increased indicating a higher molluscicidal activity. The effective application rate is affected by the nicotine content of the tobacco dust. An equivalent nicotine concentration of ca 24 kg ha−1 corresponded with the 72-h LC99 under laboratory conditions. Sevenday bioassay experiments on the effect of tobacco dust on two size groups of milkfish juveniles (0.5 and 2–3 g) showed no mortalities up to the concentration lethal to the pond snails.

Avian schistosomes belonging to the genusAustrobilharzia(Digenea: Schistosomatidae) are among the causative agents of cercarial dermatitis in humans. In this paper, ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA sequences were used to study schistosome cercariae from Kuwait Bay that have been identified morphologically asAustrobilharziasp. Sequence comparison of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) 28S and 18S regions of the collected schistosome cercariae with corresponding sequences of other schistosomes in GenBank revealed high sequence similarity. This confirmed the morphological identification of schistosome cercariae from Kuwait Bay as belonging to the genusAustrobilharzia. The finding was further supported by the phylogenetic tree that was constructed based on the combined data set 18S-28S-mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCO1) sequences in whichAustrobilharziasp. clustered withA. terrigalensisandA. variglandis. Sequence comparison of theAustrobilharziasp. from Kuwait Bay withA. variglandisandA. terrigalensisbased on mtCO1 showed a variation of 10% and 11%, respectively. Since the sequence variation in the mtCO1 was within the interspecific range among trematodes, it seems that theAustrobilharziaspecies from Kuwait Bay is different from the two species reported in GenBank,A.terrigalensisandA. variglandis.

Coastal reclamation and modifications are extensively carried out in Bahrain, which may physically smother the coastal and subtidal habitats resulting in changes to abundance and distribution of macrobenthic assemblages. A microcosm laboratory experiment using three common macrobenthic invertebrates from a proposed reclaimed coastal area was preformed to examine their responses to mud burial using marine sediment collected from a designated borrow area. Significant difference in numbers of survived organisms between control and experimental treatments with a survival percentage of 41.8% for all of the selected species was observed. The polychaete Perinereis nuntia showed the highest percentage of survival (57.1%) followed by the bivalve Tellina valtonis (42.3%) and the gastropod Cerithidea cingulata (24.0%). Quantifying species responses to sediment burial resulted from dredging and reclamation will aid in predicting the expected ecological impacts associated with coastal developments and subsequently minimizing these impacts and maintaining a sustainable use of coastal and marine ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf.

Between February and March 1986, 18 species of snails were collected from different habitats in Kuwait Bay; 2.9% were infected. A total of 16 species of cercariae were recovered representing the following morphological types: brevifurcate-apharyngeate (1), cotylomicrocercous (2), furcocystocercous (2), gymnocephalous (1), longifurcate-pharyngeate (1), megalurous (3), oculate trichocercous (1), parapleurolophocercous (1), and xiphidiocercaria (4). Of the mature cercarial infections, 19.5% were furcocystocercous cercariae infecting Clypeomorus bifasciatus, followed by xiphidiocercaria (10.1%) in 4 host species. Snails harboring immature infections were encountered 142 times, mainly in the limpet Siphonaria rosea, and accounted for 52.8% of all infections. Metacercarial infection was found only in Planaxis sulcatus (1.11%). The larger variety of cerariae were recovered from the mud snail Cerithidea cingulata which contributed 6 of the species encountered. Snails from muddy and sandy habitats had higher infection rates and diversity of cercarial types than those from rocky habitats. This is possibly due to differences in the abundance of birds and fish definitive hosts in the two habitats.

In order to refine a shoreline chronology employed for evaluating neotectonic deformation in eastern Saudi Arabia, conventional 14 C dating was applied to molluscs and barnacles associated with a Holocene palaeoshore. The close agreement obtained between ages for Balanus amphitrite adhering to cultural remains of the 'Ubaid period, Circe arabica in growth position, and Cerithidea cingulata shows that a wide range of material can be used for reconstructing the former waterline. First-order 14 C dating of these species provides acceptable results quickly and cheaply. The age of Pinctada radiata from a midden site points to prolonged human occupation of the area and illustrates the limited value of archaeological dating of fossil shorelines.

A new echinostome cercaria, Cercaria kuwaitae XI sp.n., from the prosobranch gastropod Cerithidea cingulata (Gmelin) from Kuwait Bay is described. The new cercaria is characterized by 23 collar spines and primary excretory tubules with distinct diverticula. The cercaria encysts in the snail host and is similar to those of Acanthoparyphium sp. The surface topography of the redia, cercaria and metacercarial cyst wall is studied by scanning electron microscopy. This is the first echinostome cercaria to be recorded in a gastropod from the Arabian Gulf region.

The carbon captured by living organisms in oceans is stored in the form of sediments from mangroves, salt marshes and seagrasses. We evaluated the blue carbon sinks by gastropod Cerithidea cingulata in river mouth tidal flat. We determined oxygen consumption of C. cingulata in the air and water conditions. Oxygen consumption grew with increasing temperature and shell length in both conditions. Approximately 80% of the carbon biomass was an inorganic carbon from shell origin. We calculated that the amount of carbon source as respiration and dead was 26 kgC/year, sink as production, shell formed, shell buried was 40 kgC/year in this muddy tidal flat. These results indicated that C. cingulata plays a role for contribution to sink the blue carbon

1. 1. Assimilation efficiency for labelled bacteria and microalgae was measured in the fiddler crabs Uca vocans and U. polita and in the deposit-feeding gastropods Clithon oualaniensis and Cerithidea cingulata. 2. 2. Crabs exhibited high assimilation efficiency for bacteria ( > 98%) as well as strong selection for bacteria over microalgae (three-to-five fold). 3. 3. Bacterial assimilation was lower in the gastropods (81%: C. oualaniensis; 66%: C. cingulata) with little evidence of selectivity. 4. 4. In both groups, algal assimilation efficiency was one third to one half of that for bacteria.