Distribution of Molluscs in the Eastern Persian Gulf, PG-GOOS Cruise

Distribution of molluscs in the eastern part of the Persian Gulf were studied during the PG-GOOS cruise (Oct-Nov 2012), using the 250 cm2 Van Veen grab for sampling. Sixty gastropod and 23 bivalve taxa in addition to one scaphopod taxon were identified. Gastropods constituted 80% of molluscs. The abundance of molluscs averaged 1398.36 (±261.95) ind./m2. Costellaria sp. was the most abundant gastropod and Ervilia scaliola, the most abundant bivalve species. Abundance of molluscs in different stations showed significant differences (p<0.05). Station C, located near Abu Musa Island, with an average abundance of 8040 (±1625.30) ind./m2, was the most abundant site. Average values for Shanon and Simpson indices were 2.08 (±0.11) and 0.81 (±0.02), respectively. The average abundance of molluscs was significantly correlated with depth, sediment temperature (p<0.01), salinity and TOM (p<0.05). Mollusc diversity showed significant correlation with sediment temperature, salinity, depth (p<0.05) and TOM (p<0.01).