Distribution of ornamental and economic shells in the tidal zones of the northern coast of the Persian Gulf

In order to identify and determine the distribution of economic and ornamental seashells in the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf, sampling was done in upper, middle and bottom intertidal zone in all four seasons and in mud, sand and rocky substrates. Onshore samples were collected through diving and trawling. Identification of specimens was carried out inside the country and confirmed by Institute of Malacology, Tokyo, Japan.381 species belonging to 117 families and 231 genera were identified. There was no significant difference in the warm and cold months in terms of diversity, although the density of the species was much higher in the warm seasons. In terms of species diversity, Bandar-length, Faroor and Hendurabi islands were the most diverse. In terms of size, the largest shells found were Sepia pharaonius and Pinna muricata with a total length of 45 cm and the smallest one with a size of 1 mm was Acteocina involute.