THE GASTROPOD FAUNA FROM INTERTIDAL ZONE OF SIRIDAO BEACH, GOA, INDIAK.V. Naik and M.N. JambleAbstract The word Malacofauna constitutes the animals belonging to Phylum Mollusca. This is the second most diverse phylum and plays an important role in the biota. The present study aimed at evaluation of marine gastropod diversity and density in the intertidal zone of Siridao beach in Goa during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, and their correlation with the prevalent physico-chemical parameters. Siridao beach is a mixed shore, interspersed by rocky and sandy intertidal region providing a wide range of microhabitats and niches to intertidal fauna. The duration of study was 12 months from February 2022 to January 2023 and sampling was carried out fortnightly, over the period, using Quadrat method during low tide. The study recorded a total of 40 marine gastropod, classified under 28 genera, 19 families and 9 orders were recorded during the twenty-four visits conducted, eight in each season. Highest number of species recorded, belonged to Family Neritidae, followed by Muricidae. The physico-chemical parameters studied were Surface water temperature, pH, Salinity and dissolved oxygen and the seasonal parameters. The relationship between the different parameters and the species diversity, species density and diversity indices, was established statistically. The present study adds to existing data about gastropods in Goa and also proves the ecological potential of the study site. |