ORCID
- Martin J. Attrill: 0000-0002-4039-031X
Abstract
This study investigates spatial and seasonal variation in the assemblages of benthic microgastropods (snails < 5–10 mm in length) within a poorly studied tropical bay. As these organisms are abundant, diverse and relatively easy to sample, with well-established taxonomy, they may prove a highly suitable group for ecological studies in such areas. Sediment samples were collected from three river basins in Camamu Bay, Brazil, during the wet and dry seasons. A total of 132 microgastropod species was recorded, demonstrating high diversity. The most abundant species were Eulithidium affine, Bittiolum varium, Cerithium atratum, Vitta virginea and Schwartziella bryerea. The least abundant species were Tenaturris gemma, Turbinella laevigata, Petaloconchus erectus, Parviturboides interruptus and Vitrinella cupidinensis. Statistical analysis revealed significant seasonal and spatial differences in diversity and assemblage composition, which correlated with environmental gradients. The results suggest that microgastropods are a suitable component of the biota for ecological and applied studies in marine sediments, particularly in remote tropical locations where full macrofaunal analysis may be challenging. Whilst further testing across impact gradients is needed, this approach offers a practical solution for ecological investigations in remote regions with limited taxonomic expertise and highlights microgastropods as a useful indicator taxon for impact biomonitoring in tropical marine sediments.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-01-01
Publication Title
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
Volume
14
Issue
1
Acceptance Date
2025-12-19
Deposit Date
2026-08-28
Funding
This research was partially funded by Bahia State Research Support Foundation—FAPESB (Notice Nº 09/2012, Request Nº 1356/2012). Additional funds were provided by the Postgraduate Program in Ecology: Theory, Applications, and Values, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Bahia.
Additional Links
Keywords
biodiversity, biomonitoring, estuaries, microgastropods, pristine
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Kelmo, F., Ferreira, S., Galvão, E., & Attrill, M. (2026) 'Investigating Spatial and Seasonal Differences in Microgastropod Assemblages Within the Little-Studied Camamu Bay, Brazil: A Potential Bioindicator for Remote Tropical Areas?', Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 14(1). Available at: 10.3390/jmse14010024
