The Molluscs of Gulf of Mannar, India and Adjacent Waters: A Fully Illustrated Guide

Contents: Foreword. Preface.The Gulf of Mannar. Molluscs of Gulf of Mannar. 1. Gastropoda. 2. Bivalvia . 3. Scaphopoda. 4. Cephalopoda. 5. Polyplacophora. Glossary. Additional Reading. Common name index. Scientific index.

The first comprehensive guide to the molluscs of the Gulf of Mannar provides a detailed pictorial portrayal of 1041 species of molluscs, including 722 gastropods, 287 bivalves, 7 scaphopods, 21 cephalopods and 4 polyplacophorans. This field guide sums up two decades of biodiversity surveys and explorations initiated by two premier institutions in India, Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI), coordinating the Tropical Marine Mollusc Programme (TMMP) in India and the Department of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, University of Kerala. The spectacular diversity of molluscs found in the Gulf of Mannar and adjacent waters in India is described with excellent photographs in multiple views, facilitating easy species identification also by laypeople. The habitats, diversity,ecosystem services, ecology and commercial value of molluscs are also highlighted.