Biodiversity of the gastropods in different periods in intertidal zone of the Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf

Abstract

We examined seasonal diversity indices of gastropods found along the coast of Bushehr in the northern Persian Gulf (28°49′N,50°54′E to 29°49′N,50°51′E) during 2014. Sampling was limited to 0.5×0.5 m (0.25 m2) sized quadrats from seven locations. In total, 34 species, 27 genera and 21gastropod families were identified. Of these, 27 species were common for all sites. The maximum number of species was observed during the coldest period (winter), and minimum during the hottest period (summer). The greatest abundance was found in winter and lowest in spring. The lowest value of Shannon and Pielou indices were observed in cold (winter), Simpson in moderate (spring), Margalef and Menhinick in hot (summer) seasons. The highest values for Shannon, Pielou and Margalef was observed in moderate (spring) period, Simpson and Menhinick in cold (winter) period of the year. In general, the results showed diverse species with poor richness and low evenness in different periods in the area.