Intertidal gastropod assemblages shaped by key environmental variables across the northern Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Omanss

Abstract

Variations in environmental factors can alter the species distribution pattern in intertidal rocky shores. The Persian Gulf (PG) and the Gulf of Oman (GO) vary substantially with respect to environmental and oceanographic conditions. The abundance and biodiversity of intertidal rocky gastropods in five locations across the northern PG and the GO were compared, and the environmental variables underlying the distribution pattern of these organisms were investigated. A total of 67 gastropod species were identified. The largest average density (294 ind./m2) and diversity (N = 43) for gastropods occurred in the Hotel Lipar station (LIP) located in Chabahar Bay in the GO. Clypeomorus bifasciata (107.43 ind./m2) followed by Cerithium caeruleum (94.67 ind./m2) were the most abundant species. Planaxis sulcatus and Siphonaria spp. occurred in all locations during both sampling occasions. Species richness and abundance of gastropods showed significant differences between LIP and remaining locations. A significant difference was found in assemblage structure across locations. In general, the species richness and density in the locations at GO were significantly larger than those locations in the PG, suggesting that the harsh environmental condition in the PG might be the forcing factor for this diminish. Distinct grouping was observed in both assemblage structure and species composition between locations in the PG and the GO. The spatial and temporal distribution patterns of gastropods assemblages were significantly correlated with variation in salinity and substrate rugosity.

Gastropod Community Structure as Environmental Change Signals for Tropical Status In Sedati Waters, Indonesia

“…33 ± 22.19 individuals, while the lowest abundance of gastropods occurred in October at B station, reaching only 4.33 ± 2.52 individuals. This abundance is included in the low abundance group, compared to other coastal areas(Maturbongs et al, 2017;Manullang et al, 2018;Amini-Yekta et al, 2019). The low abundance of individuals in the Sedati Waters is influenced by the quality of the physics and water chemistry and the basic substrate conditions of the waters.…”