Infaunal sand-dwelling molluscs at Hila, Ambon, Indonesia
Kohn, A.J. (1998). Infaunal sand-dwelling molluscs at Hila, Ambon, Indonesia. Spec. Publ. Phuket Mar. Biol. Cent. 18(1): 63-68
In: Phuket Marine Biological Center Special Publication. Phuket Marine Biological Center: Phuket. ISSN 0858-3633, meer
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| Abstract |
This study analyses a rich and diverse assemblage of benthic molluscs occupying an extensive sand patch on a fringing reef platform on Ambon Island, Maluku, Indonesia, with emphasis on species composition, abundance and trophic roles. The quantitative sample included 188 living molluscs, an average density of 42 m super(-2). More than 70 % were gastropods; neogastropods dominated the assemblage with respect to diversity, abundance and, except for one large scaphopod, body size. The 30 gastropod species included 4 neotnenioglossans, 20 neogastropods, and 6 heterogastropods. Fourteen additional gastropod species were present but did not occur in the quantitative sample. Bivalves comprised 21 % and scaphopods 8 % numerically. Among the gastropods, Oliva was the dominant genus numerically; its 4 species comprised nearly one-third of the entire sample. O. carneola (56 individuals) was the commonest species in the quantitative sample. Terebra ranked second in abundance but first in diversity with 12 species, 4 of which were present in the quantitative sample. Predators dominated the assemblage, but knowledge of the specific trophic roles of most awaits further study. |
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