Aspects of The Ecology and Biology of Three Gastropods, Nerita Plicata, N. Undata And N. Textilis (prosobranchia, :eritacea) at The Kenya Coast
Abstract
The studies performed at Nyali and Mkomani rocky shores not only show that all the three species, plicata, undata and textilis make neap-spring tidal migrations but also exhibit season-related migrations.
Each species rests at significantly (P<0.001) higher levels around spring days than around neap days.
Seasonally each species rests at significantly (P<0.001)higher levels
during the SEM (South East Monsoon) than during the NEM North
East Monsoon).The mean resting levels of the high level populations of plicata and undata were significantly (P< 0.001)higher than the high water levels during both SEM and NEM at both spring and neap days.The lower level N. textilis population also rests significantly (P<o~ooi) higher than the high water levels around neap days during both GEM and NEM but were at a level non-significantly different from the high water during GEM around spring days.
They rest significantly (P<0.001) lower than the tide level during NEM around spring days thus showing tendencies of the population to stay submerged around spring days during this season.
Citation
Renison Kahindi Ruwa (1983) Aspects Of The Ecology And Biology Of Three Gastropods, Nerita Plicata, N. Undata And N. Textilis (prosobranchia, :eritacea) At The Kenya Coast. Work Forming Part Of The Requirements For The Degree Of Master Of Science In The University Of Nairobi.Publisher
University of Nairobi School of Biological Sciences