New distribution record of Heterobranchs (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from Keelakarai coast, Gulf of Mannar, India

Abstract

An extensive survey was conducted from 2019 to 2020 in the sub-tidal regions of the Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India. A total of 20 species of heterobranchs was recorded from the Keelakari group of Islands in the Gulf of Mannar coast using SCUBA gears. Among these, eight species are reported for the first time from the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve (Aegires villosus, Doriprismatica atromarginata, Glossodoris pallida, Glossodoris rufomarginata, Goniobranchus trimarginatus, Gymnodoris citrina, Hypselodoris infucata, and Tubulophilinopsis gardineri), and one species namely, Aldisa andersoni is a new record to the Indian water. The comprehensive description, morphometric characters and distribution are discussed herewith.