Differential identification of four species of Trochidae and Turbinidae families (Gastropods) in intertidal zone of Hormuz island (Persian Gulf) by the microstructure of the radula

The radula has been used as an important instrument in the systematic studies of gastropods. Aim of the present study was differential identification of the Trochidae and Turbinidae families of gastropods from the inter-tidal areas of Hurmoz Island by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Sampling was done from six stations in inter-tidal areas of Hurmoz Island in spring 2015 (once). The samples were freeze and transferred to laboratory. After morphometric study, the organic matter of the samples were digested and their radula were isolated and prepared for SEM study. Four species were identified in this research including Trochus firmus, Trochus erithreus (Trochidae), Turbo radiatus and Lunella coronata (Turbinidae). They existed in 3 stations. The types of radula were ripidoglossan in Trochus firmus, Trochus erithreus and Lunella coronata and taenioglossan in Turbo radiatus. The shape of central, lateral and marginal teeth were different in ripidoglossan radula of in Trochus firmus, Trochus erithreus and Lunella coronata. So, evaluation of radula by Scanning Electron Microscope could be an appropriate method for more exact identification of gastropods.