Structure of radula in two gastropod species of the Persian Gulf, Conomurex persicus (Strombidae) and Mauritia grayana (Cypraeidae)

Radula as the main feeding organ in gastropods not only functions in obtaining food, but also considered as an important organ in classification and phylogenic studies. In this research, the radula morphology of the two species, Conomurex persicus (Strombidae) and Mauritia grayana(Cypraeidae) from BandareLengeh and the Larak Island were analyzed. The collected samples were fixed in 70% alcohol, and radulae were isolated and processed in the laboratory, then photographed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Radula in these two species is of taenioglossan type with 7 teeth per row, but structure of radula teeth in two species are different from each other. Due to various type of feeding habits in C. expersicus and M. grayana, they require radulae with structure to suit their needs. On other hand, any radula structure can also imply special dietary habit, so it can be used to understand the feeding habit of a particular gastropod species.