Diversity and distribution of the intertidal bivalves of Qeshm Island, the Persian Gulf of Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Biodiversity and spatial distribution of bivalves in eight stations (Toola 1, Toola
2, Aftab, Dafari, Tango, Havafaza, Biotechnology, and Naz Island) on the rocky shores of
Qeshm and in August and January 2018 were investigated.
Materials & Methods: At each station, one to two transects oriented perpendicular to shore
were identified. In this study, 14 bivalve species from 8 families were identified.
Results: The maximum and minimum frequency of bivalves was observed in winter with an
average of 75/m2 in the high tide zone of the Toola 2 station and in the summer with an average
of 11/ m2 in the mid tide zone of the Biotechnology station, respectively. Pinctada radiata
bivalve was the dominant species (73.9) in all stations. The results of nMDS test also confirm
the existence of differences in the structure and species composition of bivalve populations
between different seasons and stations. The highest and lowest Shannon index was observed in
the high tide zone of Tango station (2.55) in winter and in the high tide zone of Havafaza station
in summer (1.65), respectively. The highest and lowest species richness (Margalf index) was
recorded in the high tide zone of the Toola 1 station (3.73) in summer and in the mid tide zone
of the Biotechnology station in winter (1.87), respectively.
Conclusion: According to the results of Simper test, Saccostrea cucullata accounted for the
highest percentage of participation in Bray-Curtis dissimilarity in terms of species density,
between summer and winter seasons and in different sampling stations.