Morphological identification of gastropod genus Nerita (Gastropoda: Neritidae) in intertidal coastal zone of Bandar-Lengeh

Considering the variability of shell color among Nerita spp. (Gastropoda: Neritidae), their apparent identification base on shell color is difficult. This study has attempted to reexamine the identification of the Nerita spp. of the Bandar-Lengeh intertidal zone, by using morphological characters in reliable identification keys. Sampling was carried out from rocky-rubble and sandy-rubble substrates shores in maximum low tide hours of winter 2014. Samples were collected and fixed in formalin, the morphology and biometric measurements were taken in laboratory and five characteristics were measured. Results revealed the presence of five species including: N. adenensis, N.albicilla, N. longii, N. polita and N. textilis in the area which N. adenensis and N. albicilla showed highest and lowest relative frequency with 28.1% and 7.4% respectively. Also high variation in shell color appeared in N. adenensis which indicating non suitability of this characteristic in genus Nerita Taxonomic studies. The results of this study increase our knowledge about gastropods in this part of the Persian Gulf, which could be useful to improve their conservation and management strategies.