MARINE MOLLUSCS FROM SHALLOW-WATER
ENVIRONMENTS (0 TO 60 METERS) OFF
THE NORTHEAST YUCATAN COAST,
MEXICO
ALLAN A. EKDALE
Department of Geology, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77001
ABSTRACT
A benthic survey on the western side of the Yucatan Strait yielded
316 species of shallow-marine molluscs. There are five major molluscan
assemblages which represent the following environments; the rocky intertidal zone (e.g., Nerita peloronta, N. tessel/ata, Littorina ziczac), lagoons
and mangrove swamps (e.g., Bulla striata, Cerithium eburneum, Macoma
brevifrons), the coral reef-backreef area (e.g., Olivella fioralia, Codakia
orbiculata, Tellina similis), a strait washed by swift currents (e.g., Ervilia
nitens, Lucina multilineata), and the open sea (e.g., Anomia simplex,
Chione pygmaea, Trachycardium muricatum).
INTRODUCTION
The Yucatan Strait separates Cuba from the Yucatan Peninsula and
serves as the narrow gateway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The purpose of this paper is to report the marine mol1uscan fauna
collected and observed during an investigation of benthic invertebrate
communities living on the western side of this channel (Ekdale, 1972).
Sedimentological aspects of the area were studied by Folk (1967),
Ward (1967, 1970) and Brady (1971), and the marine algae were
described by Taylor (1972). Up to now there has been little systematic
study of the marine fauna of this region, although other mol1uscan
assemblages have been described from Alacran Reef to the northwest (Rice
and Kornicker, 1962, 1965), the Gulf of Batabano in Cuba (Hoskins,
1964) and various localities in British Honduras (Robertson, 1953).
The area of this study is located in the vicinity of Isla Cancun, Isla
Mujeres and Isla Contoy along the northeast coast of the Territory of
Quintana Roo, Mexico (Fig. 1). The climate is tropical, and the sea bottom
here is composed entirely of calcium carbonate sediment.
Manuscript accepted February 28, 1974.
Ekdale: Marine Molluscs from Yucatan
1974]
639
I
86°44'
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21°32'-
CON TOY
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CARIBBEAN
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TERRITORY
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Map of Northeastern
Coast of Quintana Roo
FIGURE
1.
Map of the area studied for this paper (after Ward, 1970).
640
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[24(3)
SAMPLES
A wide variety of shallow marine environments were sampled, including intertidal rocks and subtidal substrates varying from rippled, clean
sand or bioturbated, muddy sand to dense Thalassia or Halimeda beds
and rocky hardground surfaces. Intertidal molluscs were collected from
rocks in the splash zone on Isla Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy.
Quantitative bulk samples were obtained underwater at depths up to ten
meters with a diver-operated suction dredge (Ekdale and Warme, 1973)
at randomly selected localities in lagoonal, backreef, current-washed strait
and open sea environments. Several deeper water samples (20 to 60 m)
were obtained on RjV Eastward cruise no. E-22B-71 with a Shipek grab
sampler, Day steel mesh dredge and Cerame-Vivas chain link dredge.
The quantitative samples revealed that virtually the total bulk of geologically preservable macrofaunal remains in the sediment of this region
consists of molluscs, so only that phylum was treated systematically and
quantitatively. All molluscs were identified and counted, and living animals
were differentiated from dead remains.
Fifty quantitative samples yielded 289 molluscan species. An additional
27 species were collected qualitatively in shallow water and on intertidal
rocks. The total 316 species include 193 gastropod species (61.1 %), 114
bivalve species (36.1 %), five amphineuran species (1.6%) and four
scaphopod species (1.2 % ). Although nearly three-fourths of the species
in the quantitative samples were collected only as dead shells, almost all
individuals occurring alive in any sample were represented by dead shells
of their species in the sample.
There is little evidence for large-scale transport of shells and mixing
of faunal assemblages after death. Worn shells are uncommon in most
of the localities, and counts of disarticulated bivalve valves reveal nearly
equal left-right distributions. Extensive bioturbation of the sediment suggests that breakage of fresh shell material may be due to predation or
re-working of the sediment by burrowing organisms rather than movement
by waves and currents.
FAUNAL LIST
The classification of molluscs followed by Warmke and Abbott (1962)
is adopted for this study. The majority of the species were identified with
the aid of Warmke and Abbott (1962) and Johnsonia, Volumes I through
IV. All the species in the following list were collected as dead shells,
and the ones which were also collected alive are noted as such. Species
indicated by an asterisk (*) were identified by comparison with specimens
in the collections at the U. S. National Museum, Smithsonian Institution,
Washington, D. C. Wherever possible, a photograph from recent literature
is referenced for each species.
1974J
Ekdale: Marine Molluscs from Yucatan
641
Phylum MOLLUSCA
Class GASTROPODA
Subclass PROSOBRANCHIA
Order ARCHAEOGASTROPODA
Family FISSURELLIDAE
Emarginula pumila A. Adams *
see Farfante, 1947, pI. 47
Diodora cayenensis Lamarck*
see Fig. 2h; also Farfante, 1943a, pI. 2-1 to 6
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Diodora dysoni Reeve*
see Farfante, 1943a, pI. 2-9 to 16
Diodora variegata Sowerby*
see Farfante, 1943b, pI. 5-5 to 9
Remarks: same as D. minuta variegata Sowerby
Lucapina sowerbii Sowerby*
see Farfante, 1943b, pI. 4-1 to 3
Lucapinella limatula Reeve*
see Farfante, 1943b, pI. 5-1 to 3
Fissurella angusta Gmelin*
see Fig. 2g; also Farfante, 1943b, pI. 2-1 and 2
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Fissurella lIodosa Born
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 6g
Family ACMAEIDAE
Acmaea antillarum Sowerby*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 6e
Remarks: same as Collisella antillarum Sowerby
Acmaea pulcherima Dall *
see Fig. 2i
Remarks: same as Collisella pulcherima Dall; most common limpet in this
region (collected alive)
Acmaea pustulata Helbling*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 6c
Remarks: same as Collisella pustulata Helbling
Family TROCHIDAE
Calliostoma jubjubinum Gmelin
see Clench and Turner, 1960, pI. 21
Cittarillm pica Linne
see Fig. 2f; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 7m
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Tegula excavata Lamarck
see Fig. 2p; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 7e
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Tegilia fasciata Born
see Fig. 3s; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 7d
Remarks: common in lagoons (collected alive)
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Family TURBINIDAE
Turbo castanea Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 7k
Astraea brevispina Lamarck*
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 3L
Astraea caelata Gmelin *
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 8j
Astrea phoebia Roding
see Fig. 4w; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 8g
Remarks: characteristic of backreef environment (collected alive)
Arene variabilis Dall
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 17s
Family PHASIANELLIDAE
Tricolia affinis C. B. Adams*
see Fig. 4t; also Robertson, 1958, pI. 143-1 and 2, 144-3 to 5
Remarks: cosmopolitan; T. a. affinis most abundant, but T. a. beaui, T. a.
cruentata and T. a. pterocladica also common (collected alive)
Tricolia sp.
Remarks: probably T. thalassicola Robertson
Family NERITIDAE
Nedta peloronta Linne
see Fig. 2c; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 9g
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Nerita tessellata Gmelin
see Fig. 2a; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 9h
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Nerita versicolor Gmelin
see Fig. 2b; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 9k
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Neritina virginea Linne
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 9f
(collected alive)
Smaragdia viridis viridemaris Maury
see Fig. 30; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. ge
Remarks: common in lagoons (collected alive)
Family PHENACOLEPADIDAE
Phenacolepas hamillei Fischer
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 6i
Order MESO GASTROPODA
Family LITTORTNIDAE
Littorina ziczac Gmelin*
see Fig. 20; also Bequaert, 1943, pI. 5
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Nodilittorina tuberculata Menke
see Fig. 2n; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 9r
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
1974]
Ekdale: Marine Molluscs from Yucatan
Tectarius muricatus Linne
see Fig. 2j; also Clench and Abbott, 1942, pI. 1
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Family HYDROBIIDAE
Littoridina sphinctostoma Abbott and Ladd
see Andrews, 1971, p. 62
Family TRUNCATELLIDAE
Truncatella pulchella PfeifIer*
see Clench and Turner, 1948, pI. 68
Family RISSOIDAE
Rissoina bryerea Montagu*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 10m
Rissoina cancel/ata Philippi *
see Fig. 3L; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. lOL
Remarks: common in lagoons (collected alive)
Rissoina decussata Montagu*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 100
Zebina browniana d'Orbigny*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 10£
Family TURRITELLIDAE
Turritella exoleta Linne
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. IIi
Vermicularia knorri Deshayes
see Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 26-183
Vermicu/aria spirata Philippi
see Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 26-184
Remarks: same as V. fargoi Olsson
Family ARCHlTECTONICIDAE
He/iacus bisu/catus d'Orbigny*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. I1f
Heliacus infundibuliformis Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. lld
Philippia krebsi Morch*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. lIe
Family VERMETIDAE
Peta/oconchus floridanus Olsson and Harbison
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 12i
Petaloconchus nebu/osa DilIwyn*
Family CAECIDAE
Caecum pulchellum Stimpson
see Andrews, 1971, p. 76
Remarks: most common "micro-mollusc"
*
in shallow water
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Bulletin of Marine Science
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Family PLANAXIDAE
Planaxis lineatus da Costa *
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 13f
Family MODULIDAE
Modulus modulus Linne
see Fig. 3t; also Abbott, 1944, pI. 2-1 to 4
Remarks: characteristic of lagoonal environment
(collected alive)
Family POTAMIDIDAE
Cerithidea costata da Costa *
see Bequaert, 1942, pI. 2
Cerithidea pliculosa Menke*
see Bequaert, 1942, pI. 3
Baril/aria minima Gmelin *
see Bequaert, 1942, pI. 5
Family CERITHIIDAE
Cerithium algicola C. B. Adams
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 13p
(collected alive)
Cerithium eburneum Bruguiere*
see Fig. 3r; also Abbott, 1954, pI. 19q
Remarks: characteristic of lagoonal environment (collected alive)
Cerithium floridanum Morch*
see Abbott, 1954; pI. 19n
Cerithium litteratum Born*
see Fig. 3q; also Abbott, 1954, pI. 19L
Remarks: common in lagoons and backreef (collected alive)
Cerithium muscarum Say*
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 19m
Cerithium variabile C. B. Adams*
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 190
Bittium varium Pfeiffer*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 13h
Litiopa melanostoma Rang*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 13g
Alaba incerta d'Orbigny*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 13r
(collected alive)
Cerithiopsis greeni C. B. Adams
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 19v
Cerithiopsis latum C. B. Adams
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 13e
Seila adamsi Lea *
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 13m
Family TRIPHORIDAE
Triphora melanura C. B. Adams *
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 13L
1974]
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645
Triphora nigrocincta C. B. Adams'"
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 13k
Triphora turris-thomae Holten '"
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 13j
Family EPITONIIDAE
Epitonium echinaticostum d'Orbigny*
see Clench and Turner, 1951, pI. 109
Epitonium joliaceicostum d'Orbigny'"
see Clench and Turner, 1951, pI. 123
Epitonium occidentale Nyst*
see Clench and Turner, 1951, pI. 112
Family HIPPONICIDAE
Cheilea equestris Linne
see Warmke and Abbott, 162, pI. 15m
Hipponix antiquatus Linne
see Rice and Kornicker, 1962, pI. 1-9
Family CAL YPTRAEIDAE
Calyptraea centralis Conrad
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 150
Remarks: common in open marine environments (collected alive)
Crucibulum auricula Gmelin*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 15n
Crepidula aculeata Gmelin*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 15i
(collected alive)
Crepidula convexa Say*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 15k
Remarks: common in lagoons, attached to rocks and shells
(collected alive)
Crepidula fornicata Linne
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 21m
Crepidula glauca Say*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 15L
Remarks: common in backreef and lagoons, attached to rocks and shells
(collected alive)
Crepidula maculosa Conrad *
see Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 48-330
(collected alive)
Crepidula plana Say*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 15j
Family STROMBIDAE
Strom bus cost at us Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. Ii
(collected alive)
Strombus gigas Linne
see Fig. 4i; also Clench and Abbott, 1941, pI. 9
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common on sandy bottoms in backreef and open marine areas
(collected alive)
Strombus raninus Gmelin *
see Fig. 4y; also Clench and Abbott, 1941, pI. 2
Remarks: common on sandy bottoms in backreef areas (collected alive)
Trivia
see
Trivia
see
Family ERATOIDAE
antillarum Schilder
Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 16e
pediculus Linne
Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 16f
Family OVULIDAE
Cyphoma gibbosum Linne
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 16k
Family NATlCIDAE
Polinices lacteus Guilding*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 17a
Natica can rena Linne
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 3d
Natica cayenensis Recluz
See Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 3e
Natica livida Pfeiffer*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 17j
(collected alive)
Natica menkeana Philippi
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 17c
Family CASSIDAE
Cassis madagascariensis Lamarck
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. If
(collected alive)
Family CYMATIIDAE
Cymatium labiosum Wood
see Clench and Turner, 1957, pI. 116-1
Cymatium nicobaricum Roding*
see Clench and Turner, 1957, pI. 120
Family TONNIDAE
Tonna maculosa Dillwyn
see Turner, 1948, pI. 76
Order NEOGASTROPODA
Family MURICIDAE
M urex cellulosus Conrad
see Clench and Farfante,
1945, pI. 28
1974]
Ekdale: Marine Molluscs from Yucatan
647
Murex pomum Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 2g
Muricopsis oslrearum Conrad
see Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 31-218
Drupa nodulosa C. B. Adams*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 19a
Remarks: same as Morula nodulosa C. B. Adams
Purpura palula Linne
see Fig. 2e; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 19k
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Thais haemasloma floridana Conrad*
see Clench, 1947, pI. 37
Thais rustica Lamarck
see Fig. 2d; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 190
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Family MAGLIDAE
Coralliophila aberrans C. B. Adams
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20e
Family COLUMBELLIDAE
Anacllis mangelioides Reeve
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 200
Anachis pulchella Sowerby
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20g
Remarks: common in lagoons (collected alive)
Anachis sparsa Reeve
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20s
Anachis sp.
Remarks: red-brown with irregular light gray spots
Columbella mercatoria Linne
see Fig. 3k; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20a
Remarks: cosmopolitan, especially abundant in lagoons (collected alive)
Colll1nbella sp.
Remarks: much more elongate than C. mercatoria
Mitrella teneslrata C. B. Adams
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20L
Mitrella lunata Say
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20i
Mitrella nitens C. B. Adams
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20f
Mitrella raveneli DaB
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 25cc
Nitidella dichroa Sowerby
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20k
Nitidella ocellata Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20j
Nitidella sp.
Remarks: white with an irregular orange reticulate pattern
648
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Psarostola monilitera Sowerby
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20m
pyrene ovulata Lamarck
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 20t
Family BUCCINIDAE
Antillophos oxyglyptus DalI and Simpson
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 21g
Bailya intricata Dall
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 21b.
Colubraria lanceolata Menke
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 21m
Family MELONGENIDAE
Busycon contrarium Conrad
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 230
Melongena melongena Linne
see Clench and Turner, 1956, pI. 98-2
Family NASSARIIDAE
Nassarius albus Say
see Fig. 4x; also Parker, 1960, pI. 4-22
Remarks: same as N. ambiguus Pulteney; common in lagoons and backreef (collected alive)
Family FASCIOLARIIDAE
Fasciolaria tulipa Linne
see Fig. 4z; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 2d
Remarks: common in lagoons and back reef (collected alive)
Latirus brevicaudatus Reeve'"
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 22L
Latirus virginensis Abbott*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 22n
Leucozonia nassa Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, pI. 22m
Leucozonia ocellata Gme1in
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 22k
Pleuroploca gigantea Kiener
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 13a and 23y
Remarks: largest gastropod in the region (collected alive)
Teralatirus ernesti Melvi11*
Remarks: alternating black, light gray and yellow bands
Family XANCIDAE
Vasum muricatum Born
see Abbott, 1950, pI. 92
(collected alive)
Xancus angulatus Solander*
see Abbott, 1950, pI. 90
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Family OLIVIDAE
Oliva reticularis Lamarck
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 3j
Remarks: common in open marine environments (collected alive)
Olivella blanesi Ford *
see Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 36-250
(collected alive)
Olivella dealbata Reeve
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 23m
Remarks: common in lagoons (collected alive)
Olivella floralia Duclos*
see Fig. 4v; also Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 36-249
Remarks: characteristic of backreef environment (collected alive)
Olivella nivea Gmelin*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 23n
(collected alive)
Olivella petiolita Duclos*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 23p
Family MITRIDAE
Mitra nodulosa Gmelin*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 22j
Pusia albocincta C. B. Adams*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 22c
Pusia sp.
Remarks: possibly a form of P. hanleyi Dohrn (collected alive)
Family CANCELLARIIDAE
Trigonostoma tenerum Philippi
see Abbott, 1954, Fig. 55d
Family MARGINELLIDAE
Marginella denticulata opalina Stearns*
see Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 36-244
Prullll1n apicinum Menke*
see Fig. 3m; also Abbott, 1954, pI. lIn
Remarks: characteristic of lagoonal environment (collected alive)
Pnmum guttatllln Dillwyn*
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 11m
(collected alive)
Prulltun labiatum Kiener*
see Abbott, 1954, pI. IlL
Prulllun roosevelti Bartsch and Rehder*
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 110
Byalina avena Kiener*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 23h
Remarks: same as Volvarina avena Kiener
Byalina subtriplicata d'Orbigny*
see Fig. 4u
Remarks: same as Marginella subtriplicata d'Orbigny; characteristic
backreef environment
of
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Science
Family CONIDAE
Conus {loridanus Gabb
see Clench, 1942a, pI. 13-1 and 2
Conus jaspideus Gmelin
see Clench, 1942a, pI. 6
(collected alive)
Conus spurius Gmelin
see Fig. 4j; also Clench, 1942a, pI. 10-5
Remarks: common in open marine environments
(collected alive)
Family TEREBRIDAE
Terebra cinera Born*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25b
Remarks: same as Hastula cinera Born
Terebra concava Say*
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 26j
Remarks: same as Hastula concava Say; common in backreef
Terebra maryleeae Burch*
see Andrews, 1971, p. 124
Remarks: same as Hastula maryleeae Burch
Terebra protexta Conrad*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25c
Remarks: same as Hastula protexta Conrad (collected alive)
Family TURRIDAE
Crassispira fuscescens Reeve
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25w
Crassispira leucocyma Dall *
see Fig. 3n; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25q
Remarks: common in lagoons (collected alive)
Crassispira nigrescens C. B. Adams
see Warmke and Abbott, ] 962, pI. 25m
Crassispira ostrearum Stearns
see Abbott, ]954, pI. 26n
Crassispira sp.
Remarks: solid light gray-brown
Cerodrillia eous Bartsch*
Remarks: dull white with sharp axial ribs and fine spiral lines
Drillia interpleura Dall and Simpson
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25p
Drillia thea Dall
see Warmke and Abbott, ]962, pI. 25i
Drillia sp.
Remarks: pale yellow, more robust than other species of Drillia and
Cerodrillia
Leptadrillia splendida Bartsch
see Warmke and Abbott, ] 962, pI. 25j
Mangelia bartletti Dall
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25£
Mangelia biconica C. B. Adams
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25k
1974]
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Marine
Molluscs
from
Yucatan
Mangelia jusca C. B. Adams
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25e
Mangelia quadrilineata C. B. Adams
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25v
Mangelia sp.
Remarks: white with light gray band shouldering each whorl
Vitricythara metria Dall
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25u
Pyrgocythara coxi Fargo
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 25t
Subclass OPISTHOBRANCHIA
Order TECTIBRANCHIA
Family BULLJDAE
Bulla striata Bruguiere
see Fig. 3p; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 27e
Remarks: characteristic of lagoonal environment (collected alive)
Family ATYJDAE
A tys caribaea d'Orbigny*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 27q
Remarks: common in the backreef environment
A Iys guildingi Sowerby*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 27k
Haminoea antillarum d'Orbigny
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 270
Haminoea elegans Gray*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 27m
Haminoea petiti d'Orbigny
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 27p
Haminoea sp.
Remarks: has faint green axial stripes
Family RETUSJDAE
Retusa bullata Kiener
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 27£
Family ACTEOCINIDAE
Cylichna bidentata d'Orbigny
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 27c
Family PYRAMIDELLIDAE
Odostomia laevigata d'Orbigny
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 26k
Odostomia seminuda C. B. Adams
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 26e
pyramidella candida March
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 28d
(collected alive)
(collected alive)
651
652
Bulletin of Marine Science
[24(3)
Turbonilla abrupta Bush
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 26c
Turbonilla interrupta Totten
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 26a
Order SACOGLOSSA
Family OXYNOEIDAE
Lobiger souverbii Fischer
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 28a
Lobiger sp.
Remarks: larger aperture and more distorted shape than L. souverbii
Order PTEROPODA
Suborder THECOSOMATA
Family CA VOLTNIDAE
Cavolina longirostris Lesueur
see Parker, 1960, pI. 5-22
Remarks: a pelagic form not commonly found in shallow water sediments
Subclass PULMONATA
Order BASOMMATOPHORA
Suborder ACTOPHILA
Family ELLOBIIDAE
Melampus eoffeus Linne
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 28p
Melampus monile Bruguiere
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 280
Suborder PATELLTFO RMIA
Family SIPHONARIIDAE
Williamia krebsi Morch*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 28f
Class BIV AL VIA
Order FILIBRANCHIA
Suborder T AXODONT A
Family ARCIDAE
Area zebra Swainson
see Fig. 4h; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 30L
Remarks: characteristic of open marine environments
Areopsis adamsi Dall
see Fig. 4q; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 30f
Remarks: cosmopolitan, especially common in backreef (collected alive)
1974]
Ekdale: Marine Molluscs from Yucatan
653
Barbatia cancellaria Lamarck
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 30j
Barbatia domingensis Lamarck
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 30d
Anadara notabilis Roding
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 30h
Family GLYCYMERIDAE
Glycymeris pectinata Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 31a
Suborder ANISOMYARIA
Family MYTILIDAE
BOlula lusca Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962; pI. 31d
Brachidontes citrin us Roding
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 31e
(colIected alive)
Brachidontes exustus Linne
see Fig. 3j; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 31£
Remarks: characteristic of lagoonal environment (colIected alive)
Crenella divaricata d'Orbigny
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, Text-Fig. 26
Gregariella coralliophaga Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 31L
Lioberus castaneus Say
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 31h
Lithophaga aristata Dillwyn
see Fig. 2q; also Turner and Boss, 1962, pI. 81 to 116
Remarks: common intertidal rock-borer (collected alive)
Lithophaga nigra d'Orbigny
see Turner and Boss, 1962, pI. 65 and 66
Remarks: common subtidal rock-borer (colIected alive)
Modiolus american liS Leach
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 31k
(colIected alive)
Musculus lateralis Say
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 31c
Family ISOGNOMONIDAE
Isognomon radiatus Anton
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 32a
Family PTERIIDAE
Pillctada radiata Leach
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 32b
Remarks: same as P. imbricata Roding; common in lagoons attached to
Thalassia grass blades (collected alive)
654
Bulletin oj Marine Science
Family PINNIDAE
Atrina seminuda Lamarck
see Turner and Rosewater, 1958, pI. 160 to 169
(collected alive)
Pinna carnea Gmelin
see Turner and Rosewater, 1958, pI. 157
(collected alive)
Family PLlCATULIDAE
Plicatula gibbosa Lamarck
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pl. 34g
(collected alive)
Family PECTINIDAE
Aequipecten acanthodes Dall"
(collected alive)
Aequipecten gibbus Linne*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 33i
Remarks: same as Argopecten gibbus Linne
Chlamys sentis Reeve*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pl. 33c
Lyropecten antillarum Rec1uz*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 33f
Lyropecten nodosus Linne*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 4b
Remarks: same as Nodipecten nodosus Linne
Family SPONDYLlDAE
Spondylus american us Hermann
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 4e and 34a
Family LIMIDAE
Lima
see
Lima
see
Lima
see
lima Linne*
Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 34f
pellucida C. B. Adams
Warmke and Abbott, pI. 34e
scabra Born*
Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pl. 34c
Family ANOMIIDAE
Anomia simplex d'Orbigny
see Fig. 4a; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pl. 34h
Remarks: characteristic of open marine environment
Family OSTREIDAE
Crassostrea rhizophorae Guilding
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 35b
Remarks: uncommon
[24(3)
1974]
Ekdale: Marine Molluscs from Yucatan
Crassostrea virginica Gmelin
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 28a
Remarks: uncommon
Order EULAMELLIBRANCHIA
Suborder HETERODONT A
Family CRASSATELLIDAE
Crassinella lunulata Conrad
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 35k
(collected alive)
Eucrassatella speciosa A. Adams
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 30z
Family CARDITIDAE
Cardita fJoridana Conrad
see Fig. 3h; also Abbott, 1954, pI. 30a
Remarks: characteristic of lagoonal environment
Cardita gracilis Shuttleworth
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 35d
Venericardia tridentata Say
see Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 10-57
(collected alive)
Family CORBICULIDAE
Pseudocyrena fJoridana Conrad
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 30y
Family TRAPEZIIDAE
Coralliophaga coralliophaga Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 35g
Family DIPLODONTIDAE
Diplodonta semiaspera Philippi
see Andrews, 1971, p. 177
Diplodonta soror C. B. Adams
see Andrews, 1971, p. 177
Family LUCINIDAE
Anodontia alba Link
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 36e
Remarks: common in very shallow water (collected alive)
Codakia orbicularis Linne*
see Fig. 4n; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 36g
Remarks: characteristic of backreef environment (collected alive)
Codakia orbiclliata Montagu*
see Fig. 40; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 36h
Remarks: common in backreef and lagoons (collected alive)
Codakia costata d'Orbigny*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 36k
Remarks: same as Parvilllcina costata d'Orbigny
655
656
Bulletin
of Marine
Science
[24(3)
Codakia pectinella C. B. Adams*
see Fig. 4f; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 36c
Remarks: common in open marine environments (collected alive)
Divarieella quadrisuleata d'Orbigny
see Fig. 4p; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 36L
Remarks: cosmopolitan, especially abundant in backreef and lagoons
(collected alive)
Lucina blanda Dall and Simpson
see Fig. 3w; Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 36d
Remarks: cosmopolitan, especially abundant in the current-swept strait
(collected alive)
Lucina pennsylvaniea Linne
see Fig. 3b; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 36a
Remarks: common in lagoons (collected alive)
Lueina multilineata Tuomey and Holmes
see Fig. 3v; also Abbott, 1954, fig. 78f
Remarks: characteristic of the current-swept strait (collected alive)
Phaeoides nassula Conrad
see Fig. 3d; also Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 11-65
Remarks:
same as Lueina nassula Conrad; common in lagoons
(collected alive)
Phacoides peetinatus Gmelin*
see Fig. 3c; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 36b
Remarks: characteristic of lagoonal environment (collected alive)
Phaeoides radians Conrad
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 36j
Family CHAMIDAE
Chama macerophylla Gmelin
see Fig. 4b; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 37b
Remarks: common in open marine environments, left valve attached to
a hard substrate
Chama sarda Reeve
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 37d
Echinoehama arcinella Linne
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 37c
Pseudoehama radians Lamarck
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 37c
Remarks: right valve attached to a hard substrate
Family ERYCINIDAE
Eryeina periscopiana Dal1
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 37f
(co llected alive)
Family CARDIIDAE
Papyridea semisuleata Gray*
see Clench and Smith, 1944, pI. 8-8 to 12
Traehycardium magnum Linne*
see Clench and Smith, 1944, pI. 4-1 and 2
1974]
Ekdale:
Marine Molluscs from Yucatan
657
Trachycardium muricatum Linne*
see Fig. 4g; also Clench and Smith, 1944, pI. 5
Remarks: characteristic of open marine environments
Americardia guppyi Thiele
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 38a
Remarks: common in backreef and lagoons (collected alive)
Americardia media Linne
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 38b
Laevicardium laevigatum Linne
see Clench and Smith, 1944, pI. 12-1 to 5
Laevicardium mortoni Linne
see Fig. 4d; also Clench and Smith, 1944, pI. 12-6 and 7
Remarks: cosmopolitan, especially abundant in open marine environments
(collected alive)
Dinocardium robustum vanhyningi Clench and Smith
see Clench and Smith, 1944, pI. 7
Remarks: common in the strait and other open marine environments
Microeardium tinetum Dall
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 38f
Family VENERIDAE
Anoma/ocardia cuneimeris Conrad
see Fig. 3i; also Abbott, 1954, pI. 39j
Remarks: characteristic of lagoonal environment (collected alive)
Antigona listeri Gray
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 38L
Chione cancellata Linne*
see Fig. 3a; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 380
Remarks: very common everywhere, especially in lagoons (collected alive)
Chione granu/ata Gmelin*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 38i
Chione intapurpurea Conrad
see Fig. 3x; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 38n
Remarks: common in the current-swept strait
Chione /ati/irata Conrad
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 39c
Chione pygmaea Lamarck
see Fig. 4e; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 38j
Remarks: characteristic of open marine environments (collected alive)
Mercenaria campechiensis Gmelin
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 32g
Transennella conradina Dall
see Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 13-78
(collected alive)
Transennella cubiana d'Orbigny
see Perry and Schwengel, 1955, pI. 13-79
Remarks: cosmopolitan (collected alive)
Pitar aresta Dall and Simpson
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 39m
Maerocal/ista macu/ata Linne
see Clench, 1942b, pI. 5
658
Bulletin
of Marine
Science
[24(3)
Dosinia concentrica Born
see Clench, 1942b, pI. 2
Gemma purpurea Lea
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 390
(collected alive)
Family PETRICOLIDAE
Petricola lapicida Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 44e
Rupellaria typica Jonas
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 44b
Family TELLINIDAE
Apolymetis intastriata Say
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 41g
Arcopagia jausta Pulteney
see Boss, 1966, pI. 135
Remarks: same as Tellina jallsta Pulteney
Macoma brevifrons Say
see Fig. 3g; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 41h
Remarks: characteristic of lagoonal environment (collected
Macoma constricta Bruguiere*
see Fig. 3f; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 41k
Remarks: characteristic of lagoonal environment (collected
Macoma tageliformis Dall*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 41i
Strigilla pisijormis Linne*
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 4le
Tellidora cristata Recluz
see Boss, 1968, pI. 163
Tellina aequistriata Say
see Boss, 1966, pI. 141
Tellina alternata Say*
see Boss, 1968, pI. 146-2 to 4
Remarks: same as Tellina planulata Sowerby
Tellina candeana d'Orbigny*
see Fig. 4r; also Boss, 1968, pI. 162-2
Remarks: characteristic of backreef environment (collected
Tellina cristallina Spengler
see Boss, 1966, pI. 138-5
(Collected alive)
Tellina lineata Turton*
see Boss, 1968, pI. 143-3 and 4
Tellina listeri Roding*
see Boss, 1966, pI. 133
Remarks: common in backreef (collected alive)
Tellina radiata Linne*
see Boss, 1966, pI. 129
Remarks: common in backreef (collected alive)
Tellina simi/is Sowerby
see Fig. 4s; also Boss, 1968, pI. 160
Remarks: characteristic of backreef environment (collected
alive)
alive)
alive)
alive)
Ekdale: Marine Molluscs from Yucatan
1974]
659
Tellina sy baritica Dall '"
see Boss, 1968, pI. 158-1 and 2
Family SEMELIDAE
Abra aequalis Say
see Abbott, 1954, pI. 30v
Abra lioica Dall
see Fig. 4c; also Abbott, 1954, pI. 30w
Remarks: cosmopolitan, especially common in open marine environments
(collected alive)
Cumingia antillarum d'Orbigny*
see Warmke and Abbott, I962, Text-Fig. 3 Ie and d
Semele bellastriata Conrad
see Boss, 1972, pI. 9
Semele proficua Pulteney
see Boss, 1972, pI. 4a
Family DONACIDAE
Donax sp.
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 42d and h
Remarks: uncommon, only found worn shells in sediment
Family SANGUINOLARIIDAE
Asaphis de{iorata Linne
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 42k
Tagelus divisus Spengler
see Fig. 3e; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 42L
Remarks: common in lagoons (collected alive)
Suborder ADAPEDONT A
Family MACTRIDAE
Mulinia lateralis Say
see Parker, 1960, pI. 1-14
Family MESODESMATIDAE
Ervi/ia
nitens
Montagu '"
see Fig. 3u; also Warmke and Abbott, I962, pI. 43b
Remarks: characteristic of the current-swept strait (collected alive)
Family HIATELLIDAE
Hiatella arctica Linne'"
see Perry and Schwentel, 1955, pI. 18-122
Family CORBULIDAE
Corbula dietziana C. B. Adams'"
see Andrews, 1971, p. 216
(collected alive)
Gastrochaena hiafls Gmelin
see Warmke and Abbott, I962, pI. 44k
(collected alive)
660
Bulletin
of Marine
Science
[24(3)
Suborder ANOMALODESMACEA
Family LYONSIIDAE
Lyonsia beana d'Orbigny
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, pI. 44c
Class SCAPHOPODA
Family SIPHONODENT ALIIDAE
Cadu/us quadridentatus Dall
see Fig. 4k; also Rice and Kornicker, 1965, pI. 9-5
Remarks: common in open marine environments (collected alive)
Family DENTALIIDAE
Dentalium antillarum d'Orbigny
see Fig. 4L; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, Text-Fig. 34f
Remarks: common in open marine environments (collected alive)
Dentalium sowerbyi Guilding
see Fig. 4m; also Rice and Kornicker, 1965, pI. 9-10
Remarks: common in open marine environments (collected alive)
Dentalium texasianum Philippi
see Parker, 1960, pI. 3-22
Class AMPHINEURA
Order CHITONIDA
Family ISCHNOCHITONIDAE
lschnochiton sp.
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, Text-Fig. 32a and e
Remarks: probably either I. papillosus C. B. Adams or I. limaciformis
Sowerby (collected alive)
Family CRYPTOPLACIDAE
Acanthochitona spiculosa Reeve
see Warmke and Abbott, 1962, description on p. 215
(collected alive)
--------------------------------
~
2. Intertidal Assemblage:
a, Nerita tessellata Gmelin (20 mm);
b, Nerita versicolor Gmelin (30 mm); c, Nerita peloronta Linne (40 mm);
d, Thais rustica Lamarck (35 mm); e, Purpura patula Linne (45 mm); f,
Cittarium pica Linne (60 mm); g, Fissurella angusta Gmelin (17 mm); b,
Diodora cayenensis Lamarck (17 mm); i, Acmaea pulcherima Dall (6 mm);
j, Tectarius muricatus Linne (24 mm); k, Acanthopleura granulata Gme1in
(65 mm); I, Chiton marmoratus Gmelin (45 mm); m, Chiton squamosus Linne
(40 mm); n, Nodili/lorina tuberculata Menke (10 mm); 0, Littorina ziczac
Gmelin (9 mm); p, Tegula excavata Lamarck (10 mm) ; q, Lithophaga aristata
FIGURE
1974]
Ekdale:
Marine
Mol/uses
from
Yucatan
661
Dillwyn (40 mm). (Note: The sizes indicated for molluscs pictured in Figs.
2 through 4 are averages for each species. The maximum anterior-posterior
dimension was measured for bivalves and amphineurans, and the axial dimension was measured for gastropods and scaphopods.)
Bulletin of Marine Science
662
LAGOONAL
[24(3)
ASSEMBLAGE
e *... •
.- ••• • ,\
t
fJ
•
J.:IIt·
\:~j
,
t, ••_
-~-
",
a
d
c
b
,
.
. . . ?';I:,"
#
f
e
9
•
h
I~
,~:'
~
1,/
i
k
j
fJf
m
Ji
~#
0
~
p
It
t t
• • •
~
r
Q
CURRENT - SWEPT
5
t
STRAIT
ASSEMBLAGE
w
."='
~"
u
v
x
3. Lagoonal
Assemblage:
a, Chione cancel/ata Linne
(25 mm);
b, Lucina pennsylvanica Linne (22 mm); c, Phacoides pectinatus Gmelin (45
mm); d, Phacoides nassula Conrad (8 mm); e, Tagelus divisus Spengler (35
mm); f, Macoma cOllstricta Bruguiere
(22 mm); g, Macoma brevi/rons Say
FIGURE
1974]
Ekdale:
Marine
Molluscs
from
Yucatan
663
Family CHITONIDAE
Chiton marmoratus Gme1in
see Fig. 2L; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, Text-Fig. 33e
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Chiton squamosus Linne
see Fig. 2m; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, Text-Fig. 33b
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
Acanthopleura granulata Gmelin
see Fig. 2k; also Warmke and Abbott, 1962, Text-Fig. 33f
Remarks: common on intertidal rocks (collected alive)
ASSEMBLAGES
The marine molluscs inhabiting this study area may be grouped into
five major habitat assemblages or biofacies, each with a distinctive set of
characteristic species. The general environments represented by these
assemblages are (1) the rocky intertidal zone, (2) lagoons and mangrove
swamps, (3) the backreef area, (4) the current-swept strait between Isla
Contoy and the mainland and (5) the open Caribbean. The intertidal,
lagoonal and strait assemblages are well-defined, but the open sea assemblage is based on few specimens from few samples. The backreef assemblage, although distinct from the others, is somewhat transitional between
the lagoonal assemblage and the strait or open sea assemblages.
An assemblage of 17 common molluscs characterizes the rocky intertidal zone in this region (Fig. 2). Most abundant are the small, grazing gastropods Nerita peloronta, N. tessellata, N. versicolor, Tectarius
muricatus and Littorina ziczac. Also common, but somewhat less abundant,
arc Cittarium pica, Nodilittorina tuberculata and Tegula excavata. The
dominant limpets include Acmaea pulcherima, Diodora cayenensis and
Fissurella angusta. The most common predatory gastropods on the intertidal rocks are Thais rustica and Purpura patula. Chitons are abundant
and include Chiton marmoratus, C. squamosus and Acanthopleura granulata. The intertidal rock itself is commonly bored and inhabited by
Lithophaga
aristata.
+-
(22 mm); h, Cardita fioridana Conrad (20 mm); i, Anomalocardia cuneimeris
Conrad (25 mm); j, Braclzidontes exustus Linne (9 mm); k, Columbella
mercatoria Linne (14 mm); I, Rissoina cancel/ala Philippi (8 mm); m, Prunum
apicinllm Menke (9 mm); n, Crassispira leucocyma Dall (9 mm); 0, Smaragdia
viridis viridemaris Maury (6 mm); p, Bulla striata Bruguiere (12 mm);
q, Cerithillm litteratum Born (25 mm); r, Cerithium eburneum Bruguiere (25
mm); s, Tegula fasciata Born (12 mm); t, Modulus modulus Linne (11 mm).
Current-swept Strait Assemblage: u, Ervilia nitens Montagu (5 mm); v,
Lucina multilineata Tuomey and Holmes (6 mm); w, Lucina blanda Dall and
Simpson (6 mm); x, Chione intapurpurea Conrad (48 mm).
664
Bulletin of Marine Science
[24(3)
4. Open Marine Assemblage: a, Anomia simplex d'Orbigny (23
mm); b, Chama macerophylLa Gmelin (25 mm); c, Abra lioica DaB (9 mm);
d, Laevicardium mortoni Linne (15 mm); e, Chione pygmaea Lamarck
(7 mm); f, Codakia pectinella C. B. Adams (6 mm); g, Trachycardium
FIGURE
1974]
Ekda/e:
Marine
Molluscs
from
665
Yucatan
There are 11 molluscan species which characterize the lagoonal and
mangrove-associated environments of this region (Fig. 3). These include
the bivalves Anomalocardia
cuneimeris, Brachidontes
exustus, Cardita
floridana, Chione cancel/ata, Macoma brevifrons, Macoma constricta and
Phacoides pectinatus, and the gastropods Bul/a striata, Cerithium eburneum,
Modulus modulus and Prunum apicinum. A host of other species, including Anachis pulchel/a, Columbel/a mercatoria, Crassispira leucocyma,
Crepidula convexa, Phacoides nassula, Pinctada radiata, Rissoina cancel/ata, Tagelus divisus, Tegula fasciata and Smaragdia viridis, also are
common in the restricted marine environments.
The broad, shallow backreef area at the southern end of Isla Cancun
is characterized by 8 molluscan species (Fig. 4), including the bivalves
Arcopsis
adamsi,
Codakia
orbicularis,
C. orbiculata,
Tellina
candeana
and T. similis, and the gastropods Astraea phoebia, Olivella floralia and
Hyalina subtriplicata.
Other forms commonly inhabiting the backreef zone
are Divaricel/a quadrisulcata, T. listeri, T. radiata, Atys caribaea, Strombus
raninus, Terebra conca va and Tricolia affinis. Americardia guppyi, Lucina
pennsylvanica,
and Nassarius
Cerithium litteratum, Crepidula glauca, Fasciolaria tulipG
albus are very common in both lagoonal and backreef
environments.
The strait between Isla Contoy and the Yucatan mainland is floored
with clean, winnowed sand and is continually washed by strong currents
( 1~2 to 2 knots). This high-energy environment is characterized by large
numbers of Ervilia nitens and Lucina multilineata, as well as common
Chione intapurpurea, Dinocardium robustum and Lucina blanda (Fig. 3).
A wide variety of molluscs inhabit the open Caribbean in this region.
Although too few samples were obtained east of the islands to define a
precise open sea assemblage (or assemblages), 6 species in this study
seemed to be especially characteristic of the general open marine environment (Fig. 4). They are Abra lioica, Anomia simplex. Area zebra,
f-
f1WriCalllm Linne (20 mm); h, Arca zebra Swainson (25 mm); i, Strombus
gigas Linne (20 em, immature); j, Conus spurius Gme1in (80 mm, encrusted
with barnacles); k, Cadulus quadridentatus Dall (10 mm); I, Dentalium
antillarum d'Orbigny (12 mm); m, Dentalium sowerbyi Guilding (24 mm).
Backreef Assemblage: n, Codakia orbicularis Linne (50 to 70 mm); 0, Codakia orhiculata Montagu (12 mm); p, Divaricella quadrisuleata d'Orbigny
(20 mm); g, Areopsis adamsi Dall (l0 mm); r, Tellina candeana d'Orbigny (10
mm); s, Tellina similis Sowerby (24 mm); t, Trieolia affinis affinis C. B. Adams (6
mm); u, Hyalina suhtriplieala d'Orbigny (12 mm); v, Olivella {loralia Duclos
(8 mm); w, Astraea phoebia Roding (20 mm); x, Nassarius albus Pulteney
(10 mm); y, Strombus rallillllS Gmelin (55 mm, immature); z, Fasciolaria
tulipa Linne (70 to 90 mm).
666
Bulletin
of Marine
Science
[24(3)
Chama macerophylla,
Chione pygmaea and Trachycardium
antillarum.
Laevicardium
mortoni,
Calyptraea centralis, Conus spurius, Cadulus
quadridentatus,
Dentalium antillarum and D. sowerbyi also are common
in the open marine setting. Codakia pectinella is found in both the currentswept strait and the open sea, and the colorful gastropods Oliva reticularis
and Strombus gigas are common in the open sea, strait and backreef
environments.
There are a number of molluscs in this region which can be found in
most of the major environmental settings. The most common cosmopolitan
species of northeast Yucatan include the bivalves Abra lioica, Arcopsis
adamsi, Chione cancellata, Divaricella quadrisulcata, Laevicardium mortoni,
Lurina blanda and Transennella cubiana, and the gastropods Columbella
mercatoria and Tricolia affinis.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This work is a portion of a masters dissertation completed while the
author was a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow at Rice University. Various phases of the investigation were financed by grants from
the National
Science Foundation,
the Henry L. and Grace Doherty
Charitable Foundation
and Mobil Oil Company.
The field work was
conducted with the cooperation of the Instituto Nacional de Pesca and
Instituto de Biologia de la Universidad Nacional Auton6ma de Mexico.
Dr. John Warme provided guidance and direction in this study. Dr.
Joseph Rosewater, Dr. Thomas R. Waller and ·Dr. Helmer Ode assisted
with the identification of several species. Some of the specimens examined
were collected by Susan Ekdale, Eric McHuron, John McCrevey and John
Duguid. Dr. Ian Evans read the manuscript and offered valuable suggestions for its improvement.
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