Cochin Backwaters Research Articles

Optimization of bacterial consortia for enhanced cadmium removal from contaminated environments: a case study near the Cochin Backwater System, Kerala, India

Heavy metal contamination is a major environmental and ecological threat worldwide, posing significant challenges. Excessive accumulation of heavy metal like cadmium in the environment poses significant risks to both the environment and human health, particularly in regions with industrial activities and insufficient waste management practices. In this study, we focused on optimizing bacterial consortia composed of Aeromonas hydrophila and Psychrobacter nivimaris for efficient removal of cadmium from contaminated environments, with specific emphasis on areas near the Cochin backwater system in Kerala, India. Sampling conducted at Sreebhoothapuram and Eloor Ferry Kadavu stations near Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) revealed these sites as having significant cadmium accumulation. Bacterial strains isolated from these stations exhibited notable resistance to cadmium, with levels reaching up to 40 mg/l and these strains maintained similar growth conditions, making them good candidates for constructing a bacterial consortium. The Cd-resistant bacteria were characterized and identified as Aeromonas hydrophila and Psychrobacter nivimaris. Through a synergetic approach, a consortium comprising two bacterial strains from different combinations obtained from these stations demonstrated promising cadmium resistance, reaching up to 60 mg/l. Mixture design optimization facilitated the determination of an optimal ratio (Aeromonas hydrophila: Psychrobacter nivimaris) = (0.329:0.671) for maximum removal efficiency. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of both individuals and the consortium revealed morphological changes, such as modifications in the cell wall, shape, and size of the bacteria, that occur during the absorption of Cd (II). The efficiency of the optimized consortium was validated through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, achieving an impressive removal percentage of 96.5% for a real wastewater sample with a Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) less than 10%. This study underscores the potential of tailored bacterial consortia as effective bioremediation agents for Cd-contaminated environments, particularly in regions with elevated cadmium levels like the Cochin backwater system in Kerala.

Characterization of natural radioactivity and relative dose due to consumption of edible bivalves inhabiting the Cochin Backwater Lagoon, Kerala, southwestern coast of India

The study on natural radionuclides in edible bivalves from the Cochin backwater lagoon, Kerala, employing alpha spectrometry, revealed higher concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb compared to 238U and 232Th. The annual committed effective dose (ACED) for the adult coastal population was calculated at a range of 1494.9 to 5783.4 μSv y−1, with 210Po being the predominant contributor, responsible for about 85 % of the dose. This highlighted significant health risks, underscored by a calculated cumulative mortality and morbidity risk range between 5.23 × 10−3 and 2.02 × 10−2. These findings emphasized the need for further research and the development of regulatory measures to mitigate exposure risks.

Distribution and Abundance of Fry and Juveniles of A Few Cultivable Fishes in and Around Cochin Backwater, Kerala, India

The investigation was carried out at four selected stations in Cochin Backwater and intertidal water of the sea representing different ecological conditions at fortnightly intervals from February to September 1989. As per the observations, among the five species of fry recorded, the grey mullet Liza parsia was dominating throughout the study period with maximum abundance during the south-west monsoon. The fry of the milk fish Chanos chanos and the Indian tarpon Megalops cyprinoides were noted only during the pre-monsoon months when the salinity and temperature of water were considerably high, whereas the fry of the grey mullet Mugil cephalus were recorded during lower temperature and salinity conditions from June to August. Among the environmental parameters, salinity, temperature and distribution of phyto- and zooplankton were found to have profound influence on the distribution of different species directly or indirectly. Hydrogen ion concentration and dissolved oxygen were not found to influence the distribution. Among the eight species of juveniles recorded during the study, those of L. parsia were dominating followed by L. macrolepis. The juveniles of C. chanos, M. cyprinoides and Valamugil cunnesius were observed only after the onset of the monsoon indicating their preference of low salinity and temperature, and higher concentration of food materials.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Myxobolus planilizae n. sp. (Cnidaria; Myxosporea; Myxobolidae) Infecting the Largescale Mullet Planiliza macrolepis (Smith, 1846) Collected From Cochin Backwaters, India.

Myxobolus planilizae n. sp. is described from the intestinal muscles of the largescale mullet Planiliza macrolepis from Cochin backwaters, Kerala, India. Host fishes inhabiting Cochin backwaters were collected using Chinese nets/gill nets. The morphometry and morphological studies were carried out using Nomarski differential interference contrast (DIC) optics, followed by molecular and phylogenetic analyses of the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene (SSU rDNA). Plasmodia small, pale white, and infect the muscles of the intestine; measured 0.13-0.22 (0.17) × 0.09-0.14 (0.13) mm. Mature myxospores pyriform in valvular view, and biconvex in sutural and apical views with a short anterior extension, and measured 7.45-8.75 (8.40) × 6.04-6.86 (6.25) µm. Shell valves with sutural ornamentations. Polar capsules two, equal, pyriform, measured 3.96-4.54 (4.45) × 2.22-2.94 (2.52) µm. Polar filament arranged in five coils, measured 24.41-34.44 (28.52) µm when extruded. In morphological and morphometric analysis, the present species exhibit remarkable variations from other species of the genus Myxobolus. In molecular analysis, the present species revealed the highest identity of 91.85% and divergence of 9.95% with related species, underlining its molecular uniqueness. In phylogenetic analysis, species of Myxobolus infecting mullets appeared as a separate clade and the present species was positioned distinctly with a high bootstrap value. Based on morphology, morphometry, and molecular and phylogenetic analyses, along with tissue/host specificities and geographic location, the present parasite is treated as new and is reported here as M. planilizae n. sp.

Seasonal variation of Caligus rotundigenitalis infestation on the host fish Etroplus suratensis from the Cochin Backwaters, southwest coast of India

Seasonal variation of Caligus rotundigenitalis infestation on the host fish Etroplus suratensis from the Cochin Backwaters, southwest coast of India

Utility of Fishes as Bio-indicators for Tracing Metal Pollution in the Cochin Backwaters, Kerala, India

Trace metal (Fe, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr) concentrations in water and tissues (flesh, gills and liver) of two fishes, Etroplus suratensis Arius arius and from the Cochin backwaters were investigated during February 2017 to January 2018. Trace metals were analysed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The omnivorous species, showed a higher concentration of trace metals E. suratensis in tissues than the carnivorous species, . Bioaccumulation of metals in fish tissues showed higher levels in the liver, which was followed A. arius by gill and flesh . Bioaccumulation factors (B F) of metals maybe due to the different physiological roles of these organs in fish metabolism Acalculated for the species, follows an order Fe > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd whereas that for the species, follows an E. suratensis A. ariusanother order Fe > Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd. Comparatively higher BAF values in organs of fishes indicate the increased concentration of the soluble metal in the medium in which the fishes inhabit. Metal selectivity index (MSI) and tissue selectivity index (TSI) are better tool for explaining bioaccumulation of trace metals in fishes. The results of the present study suggest the potential use of fishes, and E. suratensis A. arius as bioindicators for tracing metal pollution in the estuarine environment of Cochin.

Seasonality in carbon chemistry of Cochin backwaters

Seasonality in carbon chemistry of Cochin backwaters, Southern India, was investigated between 2018 and 2019. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) showed strong seasonal variations. Lowest DIC was observed during the Southwest Monsoon (SWM), in conjunction with low salinity in surface waters, suggesting strong freshwater influence. The maximum concentration of partial pressure of carbon dioxide in water (pCO2w) was recorded from polluted waters of Vembanad Lake (∼16,000 μatm). Excluding the SWM, the inner most stations (freshwater) showed lower pCO2w levels compared with the outermost (estuarine) ones. With regard to sampling stations, all the environmental properties, except silicate and phosphate, exhibited significant variation, pointing to large spatial heterogeneity across the stations. Salinity showed a strong correlation with dissolved inorganic carbon within the Cochin backwaters. High pH and low pCO2w observed in some of the inner most stations indicates role of pH in carbonate speciation. Our study indicates large seasonal fluctuation in biogeochemical parameters and strong heterogeneity between individual stations which therefore necessitates development of local biogeochemical models for better understanding of carbon budget in these waters.

Benthic biocoenosis: influence of edaphic factors in the tropical mangroves of Cochin, Southern India

Biocoenosis of macrobenthic communities in relation to environmental and mangrove flora was studied in mangrove ecosystem of Cochin backwaters during 2010–2012 period. A total of 48 species in 45 genera belonging to 38 families of macrobenthos were collected with a mean numerical density of 1628 ± 2283 ind m−2. Malacostraca was the dominant taxa in terms of benthic density (55%) and diversity with 17 spp., then polychaeta (11 spp.), mollusca (9 spp.) and others (9 spp.). The dominant species were amphipods Idunella sp. (40,170 ind m−2), Cheiriphotis geniculata (34,169 ind m−2), polychaete Dendronereis aestuarina (38,808 ind m−2), tanaid Ctenapseudes chilkensis (29,419 ind m−2), bivalve Indosphenia kayalum (23,835 ind m−2) and oligochaete Tubificoides psuedogaster (16,946 ind m−2). The PCA and redundancy analysis revealed that the nature of the substratum determined by sediment texture, organic matter, total organic carbon, sediment nutrients were found to be an influencing factor in the differential distribution and community structure of macrobenthic organisms in mangroves of Cochin. Mangrove plant density also exhibited significant correlation with the density of macrofauna. This study has noted a decline in species composition as well as diversity and richness of macrobenthic fauna compared to the previous study notably polychaetes reported in 1993 in Cochin mangroves. Moreover, community structure exhibited significant change with newer associations of species especially opportunistic oligochaetes, corophiids and tanaids that are tolerant of various anthropogenic stressors. This change in community assemblage and biodiversity, thus demanding efficient management strategies for mangrove ecosystem through integrated planning, rehabilitation and periodic benthic faunal surveillance coupled with mangrove floral assessment.

Morphological and molecular description of a new species of Myxobolus (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae) infecting Planiliza macrolepis (Smith, 1846) from India.

The present paper describes a novel species of Myxobolus parasitizing the gill filaments of the largescale mullet, Planiliza macrolepis from Cochin backwaters, Kerala, India. The parasite develops in the gill filaments; plasmodia elongated, milky white, measured 1.37-2.18 (1.78 ± 0.35) mm × 0.07-0.12 (0.10 ± 0.02) mm in size. Mature myxospores ovoid in valvular view, biconvex in sutural view with smooth shell valves and measured 6.24-7.02 (6.63 ± 0.23) × 5.01-6.18 (5.68 ± 0.25) μm in size. Polar capsules equal, oval with pointed anterior ends, 3.07-3.58 (3.33 ± 0.12) × 1.68-2.42 (2.09 ± 0.18) μm in size. Polar filamentswith 4 coils, measured 29.61 ± 4.75μm in length when extruded. Sporoplasm binucleate with a rudimentary nucleus and a vacuole. A comparison with related Myxobolus species revealed significant morphological and morphometric differences. In BLASTN and genetic distance analysis, the present parasite showed high divergence with other myxosporean sequences, indicating its molecular uniqueness. In Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analysis, the present species stands out with M. ramadus as sister branch within the Myxobolus clade. In infected gill filaments, the plasmodia caused swelling/deformation, compression of lamellae and reduction in respiratory surface area. Three of 222 P. macrolepis screened were infected, indicating a prevalence of 1.3%. Considering the morphological, morphometric, molecular and phylogenetic differences with the previously described species of myxosporeans, along with the dissimilarities in host and geographical locations, the present parasite is treated as a new species and the name Myxobolus cochinensis n. sp. is proposed.

Habitat ecology and substratum preference of brachyuran crabs of a tropical estuary, South-West coast of India

Brachyuran crabs exhibit varying inhabitation patterns and habitat preferences and their existence and distribution influenced by the environmental factors prevailing in the area. The present study is an attempt to describe the habitat ecology, habitat preference and the distribution of the brachyuran crabs that are listed from the Cochin Backwaters. The study reveals that, rather than the water quality parameters, it is the sediment quality parameters, which influence the distribution of crabs. Apart from the substratum characteristics, salinity and the presence of mangroves also plays a significant role in the distribution of crabs in an area. Distribution of crabs was observed to be highest in the stations with muddy substratum, with high organic carbon content and comparatively high amount of moisture as well as ornamented with luxuriant mangrove patches.

Comparison of the reproductive biology of two stocks of Indian subcontinental Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) with special reference to reproductive isolation and philopatry

The study of reproductive biology is a prerequisite for fishery management and conservation. The current study aimed to compile all available information on the reproductive biology of the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus from two geographical regions of India, Cochin backwaters (west coast; n = 362) and Pulicat (east coast; n = 223) southern India to decipher the possible differences in reproductive and biological attributes between the geographical groups. The LWR showed isometric growth (b = 3.08) for females on the west coast and positive allometric growth (b = 3.338) on the east coast, whereas the males showed negative allometric growth on both coasts. The sex ratio (male: female) recorded in this study was 1:1.2 on the west coast and was well balanced. On the east coast, the sex ratio was 1: 2.09 and deviated significantly from the expected 1:1 ratio. The gonadal morphology and developmental pattern were the same for both groups of M. cephalus . The length at maturity values of both males (L 50 = 349.3 mm TL on the west coast and 375.8 mm TL on the east coast) and female (L 50 = 437.6 mm TL in the west coast and 394.9 mm TL in the east coast) showed a significant difference between two groups. Seasonal distribution of GSI and maturity stages suggested that the spawning period of M. cephalus was between May and July coinciding with the onset of the southwest monsoon on the west coast while on the east coast it was between December and January months during the north-east monsoon. The reproductive isolation and philopatry in west and east coast M. cephalus groups are discussed based on the observations on the spatio-temporal distribution of fishes in the sampling areas.

First recorded bloom of Akashiwo sanguinea (Dinophyceae) from the Cochin backwaters, a tropical estuarine system along the South Eastern Arabian Sea

Abstract Akashiwo sanguinea, a cosmopolitan red tide-forming dinoflagellate, is reported for the first time as a bloom from the Cochin estuary along the South Eastern Arabian Sea. Monthly sampling showed the continuous presence of A. sanguinea with occasional blooms. Blooms of A. sanguinea with the highest abundance of 2.8 × 105 cells l−1 were observed during the monsoon season (June 2019) with chlorophyll a of 17.2 mg m−3. The bloom period was characterized by higher concentrations of nitrate (26 μmol l−1) and phosphate (3.8 μmol l−1). Routine monitoring of the bloom region showed the survival of the Akashiwo sanguinea population in the temperature (26 to 30°C) and salinity (22 to 24 PSU) range indicating its eurythermal and euryhaline characteristics.

Satellite-Based Study of Seasonal Variability in Water Quality Parameters in a Tropical Estuary along the Southwest Coast of India

To sustain a healthy ecosystem, continuous monitoring of the water quality is vital. Ocean colour remote sensing is an important tool to carry out such studies. Thus, chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), chromophoric dissolved organic matter (aCDOM440), turbidity (T) and sea surface temperature (SST), among others, have been considered in the present study to evaluate the water quality of the Cochin Backwaters, a tropical estuary along the southwest coast of India. Landsat 8/OLI data have been used to derive the water quality parameters (WQP), and seasonal averages have been estimated to study the variations occurring in the area during 2014–2018. These were then plotted against the river runoff occurring in the area to find out its impact upon the said parameters. The results showed that the aCDOM440 and Chl-a concentrations were related to the runoff of the area as both the parameters were at their peaks during the southwest monsoon season with values approximately more than 1.6 m−1 and 5.6 mg/m3, respectively. However, in the other seasons, aCDOM440 was not seen to directly correspond with the runoff in the area. Turbidity was observed to be the highest during the spring inter-monsoon season (SIM) with values reaching more than 60 FNU. As far as the surface temperature of the estuary is concerned, it was found to be around ~ 25 °C for most parts of the year, except for the southwest monsoon season when the temperature dropped below 25 °C. Interannual variability of the WQP showed that they were at their highest in 2014 followed by 2016, 2017 and 2018, while the year 2015 had the lowest concentration. The study also brings out the utility of ocean colour remote sensing products as an alternative to study the Indian coastal and estuarine waters.

Potential contribution to the nutrient pool due to the decomposition of Eichhornia crassipes under different salinity in an aquatic ecosystem—A laboratory study

The opening of Thannermukkom saltwater barriers during monsoon causes an Eichhornia crassipes infestation in Cochin backwater, Kerala-India; an annual occurrence. During the process, the plants are exposed to varying salinity due to tidal action. Keeping this in mind, an experiment was conducted to study the nutrient released post-decomposition to saltwater exposure. The effect of salinity on the decomposition was varied. In contrast to low nitrite concentration (ca. 6 μM), ammonium concentration (∼70μM) was very high in the whole plant decomposition. Low nitrite concentration was correlated with the increase in ammonium. Nitrate concentration was 17 μM in 5 psu salinity. However, the increase in nitrate was negatively correlated with nitrite concentration. Phosphate concentration was ∼23μM in 25 psu salinity and silicate was in the range of ∼45μM. The decomposition of the cut pieces of E. crassipes leaf and petiole under dark conditions showed very high concentration of ammonium, and low concentration of nitrite and nitrate. The concentration of phosphate and silicate was higher in leaf decomposition. The study showed that the rate of decomposition was faster in cut leaf and petiole under dark condition. This indicates that the prevailing condition could influence the degree of decomposition and the eventual release of the nutrients. The study also illustrates the complexity of E. crassipes plant decomposition in varying salinity which is found in the backwater system. The estimated nutrients from this study suggested that the potential contribution from the decomposition of E. crassipes to the nutrient pool could be considerably high. The probable role of decomposing E. crassipes plant in the nutrient dynamics of the Cochin backwater system has been proposed for the first time.

Response of microplankton size structure to summer stratification, freshwater influx and coastal upwelling in the Southeastern Arabian Sea

A year-round FlowCAM-based study of micro-plankton (20–200 μm) size structure was conducted in several locations along a cross-shore transect off Kochi in the near-shore waters of the southeastern Arabian Sea (SEAS; along the southwest coast of India). The study area was characterized by a warmer and thermally stratified water column during the Pre-Southwest Monsoon (PSWM; March to May), which was replaced by the cool and hypoxic upwelled waters at the sub-surface and low salinity estuarine waters at the surface during the Southwest Monsoon (SWM; June to September). Irrespective of seasons, micro-autotrophs displayed higher abundance and biomass closer to the coast as compared to the offshore locations. The seasonal trend in the abundance and biomass of micro-autotrophs mismatched in the study region, the former was the highest (av. 8430 ± 2927 ind/L and av. 10.3 ± 2 μgC/L) during the PSWM and the latter during the SWM (av. 7703 ± 1237 and av. 16.8 ± 3.5 μgC/L). Micro-autotroph biomass was found to be higher in the surface waters, with an exception during the SWM, when larger micro-autotrophs (av. 137184 ± 10196 μm³/ind.) were observed in the subsurface. The highest seasonal abundance of micro-autotrophs (av. 8430 ± 2927 ind/L) during the PSWM could be attributed to the presence of smaller individuals (biovolume av. 59801 ± 6906 μm³/ind.). The overall spatial distribution of micro-heterotrophs was similar to that of the micro-autotrophs, with their high abundance and biomass in locations closer to the coast. Also, their abundance was found to be higher throughout the water column during PSWM, while it decreased noticeably in the deeper waters during the rest of the period. During the SWM, low PAR, high nutrients and high salinity in the sub-surface waters facilitated the dominance of larger micro-autotrophs (diatoms) such as Fragilaria (av. 211093 ± 8431 μm³/ind.) and Thalassiosira (av.80027 ± 5031 μm³/ind), whereas low salinity and high nutrient water mass from the adjacent Cochin (Kochi) backwaters favored high abundance of smaller micro-autotrophs such as Thalassionema (av. 17220 ± 756 μm³/ind.) and Skeletonema (av. 11831 ± 533 μm³/ind.) in the surface water. This study evidences for the first time that due to temporal changes in water masses in the near-shore waters in the SEAS, there are considerable seasonal and spatial variations in the size structure and composition even within the micro-plankton community itself.

First new record of two diatoms (Caloneis africana (Giffen) Stidolph and Luticola nivalis (Ehrenberg) D. G. Mann) from South West Coast of India (Cochin backwaters)

Summary The main objective of this paper is to report two diatoms (Caloneis africana (Giffen) Stidolph and Luticola nivalis (Ehrenberg) D. G. Mann) from Cochin backwaters, which prove to be a new finding from Indian waters. Surface water samples were collected monthly from twelve stations covering the ecosystem from May 2015 to April 2016. The analysis of physicochemical parameters and the preparation of permanent slides of diatoms were performed based on standard procedures. Descriptions, world distribution and photographs of the two diatoms are included in this paper. These two new species further enrich the diatom floristic diversity of Cochin backwaters in India.

Taxonomy of myid bivalves from fragmented brackish-water habitats in India, with a description of a new genus Indosphenia (Myidae, Myoidea, Myidae).

A group of small bivalves inhabiting Indian brackish-water estuaries and lagoons (known locally as backwaters), variously assigned to Corbula, Cuspidaria, and Sphenia, are reviewed and, based on shell characters, shown to be congeneric. Molecular (COI) and morphological data indicate that this group belongs to the family Myidae. Furthermore, the combined data suggest that these Indian myids are a sister taxon of the genus Sphenia. The Indian material studied herein exhibits a functional morphology typical of infaunal bivalves, whereas typical Sphenia are nestling and epibyssate. A new genus, Indosphenia, is thus erected for the Indian group and includes five species, one of which is named in this study.Indospheniakayalum Oliver, Hallan & Jayachandran, gen. et sp. n. is described from the Cochin Backwater on the western coast of India. Cuneocorbulacochinensis (Preston, 1916) is transferred to Indosphenia. Additionally, the west coast taxa I.abbreviata (Preston, 1907), I.abbreviatachilkaensis (Preston, 1911) and I.sowerbyi (EA Smith, 1893) are recognised herein. Corbulaalcocki Preston, 1907, Corbulagracilis Preston, 1907, Corbulacalcaria Preston, 1907 and Corbulapfefferi Preston, 1907 are placed in synonymy with I.abbreviata, and Cuspidariaannandalei Preston, 1915 is synonymised with I.abbreviatachilkaensis.

Role of rotifers in microzooplankton community in a large monsoonal estuary (Cochin backwaters) along the west coast of India.

The distribution ecology of microzooplankton in the Kochi (Cochin) backwaters has been presented. Emphasis has been given to the micro-rotifers present in the environment, considering they were a hitherto ignored component of the microzooplankton in the past studies. Three seasonal samplings were carried out at six locations along the salinity gradients in the Kochi backwaters during the Pre-Monsoon (March), Southwest Monsoon (August), and Northeast Monsoon (December). A total of 48 species of microzooplankton were recorded, of which 35 were ciliates, 10 were rotifers, and 3 were heterotrophic dinoflagellates. The study also reports the swarm of a microzooplankton species from the Kochi backwaters, which was formed by a tintinnid ciliate, Tintinnopsis uruguayensis, during the Northeast Monsoon. Very high microzooplankton density (11,990 No. L-1), as swarm in the downstream location was associated with the mesohaline condition and high availability of food. Rotifers were the major component of microzooplankton in the limnohaline/oligohaline region, whereas ciliates dominated in the polyhaline/mesohaline region. Hence, in the present study, salinity appeared to be a major factor affecting the composition of the microzooplankton community in the Kochi backwaters. As rotifers have a wide food spectrum, they can feed on almost all components of the microbial food web, including small ciliates. They also share the same food spectrum with larger ciliates and crustacean nauplii. The present study, for the first time, recorded the importance of rotifers in the microzooplankton community in the plankton food web in the Kochi backwaters.

Effect of arsenic on the growth and physiology of Chaetoceros calcitrans isolated from Cochin backwaters

Effect of arsenic on the growth and physiology of Chaetoceros calcitrans isolated from Cochin backwaters

Cuspidaria cochinensis Preston, 1916 transferred to the Corbulidae (Mollusca, Bivalvia) and assigned to the genus Cuneocorbula

An examination of a syntype of Cuspidaria cochinensis Preston, 1916, focusing on the characters of the hinge, supports the transfer of this species to the family Corbulidae. Recently collected material from the Cochin Backwater is used to describe the shell and anatomy of the adult form. The ctenidia are composed of two demibranchs, both flat and homorhabdic, this further confirming that this species is eulamellibranch and not septibranch. The most appropriate generic placing of this species is in Cuneocorbula; thus, it is the first recorded extant species of the genus.