Marine Mollusos of Pakistan

Abstract

The project under study lasted for 3 years and 3 months the following is the summary of achievement and significance. Collections were made from as many as 23 localities most of those were visited for several times

Survey of various habitats has revealed a rich coastal fauna Collection were made by research officers, themselves picking up only the desired animals. A total of 2500 specimens were selected for preservation and storage.

The preserved collection includes representatives of all the classes of Halluces (except monolacephoro, recently discovered from Mexico) the shoklod gastropod and Scaphopoda were selected for detailed study. A pictorial key is devised for quick identification up to families represent on the coast.

Diagnotio features of families, genera and a list of species in each case are given.

Detailed description, distribution and colour pattern for one selected species in gastropods, Nivalvia and Cophalopoda is included in the report to show the pattern adopted for preparation of taxonomic account of species.

Scaphopoda’s, a small group of Marino molluses, is locally represented by 9 spp. Which were studied in details and published? Gastropods, the largest class of molluses, include shell and shell less forms. Gastropods with shells are the main molluses which were studied during the project, species were identified illustrated or photographed. 71 spp (belonging mostly to prosobranchs) are studied systematically. Soft parts of some most abundant species are also studied. The intertidal zone appears to be rich in nudibranchs and harbours some of the most beautiful species. The Nudibranchs were brought alive to the laboratory and kept in small acquaric where they survived woll and several species spawned. Egg capsule and spawns of gastropods and cephalopods were collected, and some studied in detail. The collection also include about 500 lemellibranchs such olams, systors, pearl oyster, soallop, cocklos, razor clams and many others. Ten species of cephalopods have boon for the first time identified, described and illustrated. Large specimen of cuttlo-fishes measuring inch in body length were collected form the fish Harbour. Two species remain unidentified. Achievements: 1. Building up of a representative mollusean fauna of Pakistan. 2. Registration, collection, identification and cataloguing of specimens. 3. One of the research officer was selected by the British council for study of the local collection at reading British Museum under the able University and/ guidance of Dr. V. Fretter, (Reading University). 4. Scaphopods of Pakistan studied and reported. Published under the title “Species of Genus Dentalium from Pakistan Coast. Proc. Pak. Acad. Sci, Vol.13, No. 1 (1976).” 5. Several species of Scaphopods and gastropods are collected for the first time. 6. Mantle cavity of 9 species has been studied for understanding of Phylogenetic relationship of the species. 7. A pearl was discovered from an Oyter (Crassostrea tuberellata). Two species of pearl oysters collected from Manora Is, and Jiwani. 8. Cephalopods are studied for the first time 13 species are reported. 9. Large oysters measuring 26 cm length 7 am height andweighing 4lbs/ have been collected from Hab River delta. 10. Ph. D thesis of one research officer Hrs. Itrat ohr is in advanced stages of completion. 11. One II. Sc student submitted a thesis on Cephalopods entiled. Taxamony of Cephalopods of Pakistan Coast was awarded M. Sc degree and sourced I. Division. Significance: Every country needs to assess its animal wealth as a part of natural resources. The present study has shown that the coastal waters of Pakistan harbour a rich mollusean fauma. This is only a preliminary study suggesting need for further and very extensive work. Several local species are edible, they have to be exploited properly introduced to public and prepared for export. Worth motioning are the oysters which are relished the world over. If farned they can certainly support a fairly good oyster fisheries. Cuttlo fishes are another source of protein much in demand in countries like China. Shell collection has always been a hobby enjoyed by naturalists and amaterrs. The beautiful shells of Pakistan must be printed for use by scientists and beach combers. The present study has formed a basis for such a work.