First report of the microgastropod Ammonicera japonica (Omalogyridae Habe, 1972) in Korea

Abstract

The intertidal zone of Jeju Island, Korea, is characterized by well-developed volcanic rocks with high wave action. During low tide, numerous small tidal pools are formed on the rocky intertidal zone, which provide shelter and habitats for benthic organisms. Previous investigation indicated that many species of micromolluscans inhabit the tidal pools; however, only a few studies have reported the ecology and identification of these microshells. In this study, we have identified a microgastropod, Ammonicera japonica Habe, 1972 (Omalogyridae), from a tidal pool on the southern coast of Jeju Island. Morphological identification of the species was based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the protoconch and teleoconch. A. japonica was found to be associated with encrusting coralline algae distributed on the bottom of the tidal pools. This is the first report of A. japonica from Korea, and the specimen was registered at the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK MO00157413).