The occurrence of Clithon retropictus (v. Martens, 1879) (Gastropoda: Neritidae) in an unusual habitat, northern Jeju Island, Republic of Korea

• Published in: Ocean science journal 2013, 48(3), , pp.259-262
• Main Authors: Noseworthy, Ronald G., Lee, Hee-Jung, Choi, Kwang-Sik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic Pollution; Brackish; Clithon retropictus; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Gastropoda; Marine; Marine & Freshwater Sciences; Neritidae; Oceanography; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollution Control; 해양학
• ISSN: 1738-5261; 2005-7172
• DOI: 10.1007/s12601-013-0023-2

Clithon retropictus is a neritid gastropod inhabiting mainly brackish water. Currently this species has been listed as a second grade endangered species of wildlife in Korea by the Ministry of Environment, due to the decrease in its population size. C. retropictus has previously been identified from estuaries on the south coast of Korea. In Jeju Island, this species has been reported only from the south coast. However, a population has recently been discovered on the north coast of the island in an apparently new type of habitat, under rocks adjacent to a dry riverbed on a muddy substrate. C. retropictus was found to be aggregated under some of the larger rocks, and the habitat was located near the high tide line. The present study reports some possible reasons for the occurrence of the population in this unusual habitat, and provides useful information on the biometry and population size which can be used in the management of this endangered species.