Seasonal variation of molluscs of Varwade rocky shore, Ratnagiri

Abstract

A total of 25 molluscan macrofaunal species comprising 21 gastropods and four bivalves were recorded from Varwade, rocky shore, Ratnagiri. Among the gastropods, Euchelus asperus, Cypraea arabica, Morula granulata, Purpura panama, Planaxis sulcatus and bivalve, Saccostrea cucullata were dominant throughout the investigation. The gastropods, Cantharus wagneri, Cerithium bifasciata bifasciata, Gyrineum natator, Clypidina notata, Pyrene terpischore, Thais bufo, Conus vexillum, Trochus radiates, Turbo bruneus and Nerita undata were observed consistently in all the three seasons. Among the bivalves, Saccostrea cucullata and Brachidontes variabilis were present consistently in all the three seasons. The bivalve, Gafrarium divaricatum was recorded consistently only during post-monsoon season, while rock boring bivalve, Pholas dactylus was present during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Seasonal variations in molluscs were maximum during the post-monsoon and minimum during monsoon season.