Diversity And Distribution Of Molluscan Fauna From The Coastal And Mangrove Ecosystems Of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

In the present study conducted along the Kakinada coast and its associated mangrove regions from 2013 to 2014, a total of 185 molluscan species were identified. These species were classified into three major classes: Gastropoda, Bivalvia, and Cephalopoda, which were further subdivided into 7 subclasses, 24 orders, and 69 families. Among these, the class Gastropoda exhibited the highest species richness, comprising 112 species distributed across 5 subclasses, 11 orders, and 46 families. The families Cerithidae, Nassaridae, Trochidae, Turitellidae, and Turridae were particularly dominant among the gastropods. Following closely, the class Bivalvia contained 66 species categorized into 1 subclass, 11 orders, and 21 families, with families such as Arcidae, Veneridae, Donacidae, and Pectinidae being especially prominent. The class Cephalopoda was represented by 7 species across 1 subclass, 2 orders, and 2 families in the study locations. Several bivalve and gastropod species, including Tegillarca granosa, Placuna placenta, Meretrix meretrix, Magallana bilineata, Meretrix casta, Perna viridis, Pirenella cingulata, Telescopium telescopium, Umbonium vestiarium, Volegalea cochlidium, Turritella duplicata, Murex trapa, and Tonna dolium form a dominant fishery and possess considerable commercial value. These species are crucial to local economies, supporting both the fishing industry and various related sectors. Their significance extends beyond mere economic value, as they also play vital roles in the marine ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.