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Annotated checklist of the marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues
P. GRAHAM OLIVER, ANNA M. HOLMES, IAN J. KILLEEN*,
JANICE M. LIGHT
{
and HARRIET WOOD
Department of Biodiversity & Systematic Biology, National Museum of
Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP, UK;
e-mail: graham.oliver@nmgw.ac.uk; anna.holmes@nmgw.ac.uk
This checklist illustrates and comments on the 109 species of marine bivalve
currently known from Rodrigues. The fauna appears impoverished when
compared to those of Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles. Low habitat diversity
is postulated as the cause of impoverishment rather than the relatively young
geological age of Rodrigues.
K
EYWORDS: Bivalvia, Indian Ocean, Mascarene Islands, Mollusca, Rodrigues.
Introduction
The island of Rodrigues lies 595 km east of Mauritius on a submarine rise
between the Mascarene and St Paul-Chagos ridges. It is 18 km long and 8 km broad
but is surrounded by a large fringing reef forming a lagoon 50 m to 3 km wide. This
is the largest reef-enclosed lagoon in the Indian Ocean yet surprisingly it has
received little biological investigation. The gross distribution of biotopes was first
studied by Montaggioni (1978), and the littoral zonation was briefly reported upon
by Faure´ (1973). Details of the marine malaco-fauna are scant with Viader (1937)
recording over 2000 marine species for Mauritius an d its dependencies but not
adding to the literature specifically for Rodrigues for which he recorded a mere 45
species. In 1998 the Shoals of Capricorn Programme began a marine science and
education project on Rodrigues with the aims of compiling a biotope map and
investigating the increasing siltation of some of the northern and wes tern bays.
Biological investigations without an adequate taxonomy are unsatisfactory and this
paper is the first to attempt to provide such a capacity for one of the major groups.
The completed checklist will also allow a comparison of the fauna to be made with
the other Mascare ne Islands. The terrestrial fauna is famous for the now extinct
flightless bird, the solitaire, and for a high degree of endemism in its terrestrial
Journal of Natural History
ISSN 0022-2933 print/ISSN 1464-5262 online # 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd
http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
DOI: 10.1080/00222930410001695097
*Present address: 53 Charleville Square, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, Ireland.
{
Present address: 88 Peperharow Road, Godalming, UK.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY, 2004, 38, 3229–3272
fauna and flora (Strahm, 1989). The terrestrial molluscan fauna has been reviewed
recently (Griffiths, 1994) and shown to have affinities with Mauritius and Re´union,
but a similar synthesis of the marine fauna has never been undertaken.
Historical account
Rodrigues was known to Arabian sailors but first ‘discovered’ by Portuguese
explorers around 1507. Although visited by subsequent explorers it was first settled
in 1691 by a group of Hugenots who stayed for a pe riod of three years. An account
of this settlement was published by Le´guat (1708) and includes the first reference to
molluscs (data from Le´guat’s account are taken from the English version edited and
annotated by S. Pasfield Oliver, 1891). Le´guat mentions many fine shells at the
island of Eden (~Re´union) but on Rodrigues his only mention is of oysters ‘We
had also another Creek on the other side of our Cabins, and full of Oysters, sticking
to Rocks. We went often to Breakfast there, and brought some home, with which
we made excellent Ragoˆ ut with Palm Tree-Cabbages and Turtles fat’. Following the
departure of Le´guat, the island became little more than a supply post for first the
French and later the British colonies in the region. Strategic and commercial
activities centred on Re´union and especially Mauritius and scient ific interest reflects
this with catalogues of molluscs appearing for Mauritius but with scant reference to
Rodrigues. The first important catalogue was that of Lie´nard (1877) which recorded
45 molluscan species from Rodrigues, of which only one was a bivalve. In 1874–75
the British ‘Transit of Venus’ expeditions visited Rodrigues and the Mollusca were
listed by Smith (1876, 1879). Smith recorded 78 marine molluscs of which 16 were
bivalves including two new species, Diplodonta lateralis and Avicula fusco-purpurea.
Von Martens (1880) recorded only 33 species from Rodrigues of which only one
was a bivalve. The most comprehensive catalogue of Mauritius and its dependencies
is that of Viader (1937) but he merely cites data from previous catalogues. At this
time Viader numbered the bivalve fauna of Mauritius at 279 species and varieties,
but that of Rodrigues was only 16. Mention of Rodrigues can be found in some
recent taxonomic reviews, e.g. Vidal (1999), indicating that recent collections have
been made. We have attempted to trace these and additional species are included in
this paper.
The majority of the current collecting efforts and historical records are from the
intertidal and within the lagoon. Some data come from the outer reef slope and
very little is available for the shelf.
The littoral and lagoon biotopes
Rodrigues is a volcanic island consisting of basaltic rocks dating from 1.3 to
1.5 million years old (McDougall and Compston, 1965). At some locations a
limestone of windblown (aeolian) coralline sand overlies the basalts and these are
believed to be Pleistocene in age (McDougall and Compston, 1965). The littoral of
the island is dominated by rocky shores composed of bed-rock or fragments of the
basaltic lavas which make up the island and these contrast with those parts of the
shore which are formed of the aeolian limestone. The basaltic shores are either
bed-rock or boulders whereas the limestone forms typical undercut platforms
with pavement or loose blocks below. Prevailing winds result in the lagoon being
narrow at the eastern end and extensive in the west and correlated to this is the
degree of exposure of the shores on the mainland. Both types of geology can be
found in the extremes of exposure and shelter. Intertidal sediment shores are varied
3230 P. G. Oliver et al.
and grade into the lagoon biotopes, which can be exposed on spring tides. The
tidal range is a maximim of 1.5 m, which results in parts of the lagoon and reef
front drying out at low tide. Intertidal sediment shores mostly have a base of
coralline sand with varying cover of sea grasses, macroalgae or they are overlain
with basaltic pebbles, rocks and coral debris. Sea grasses at Rodrigues are restricted
to Halophila species, and sea-grass beds are always of low density and usually
associated with alga Caulerpa spp. Along the north-western and wes tern areas
the bays are turbid and often very muddy. In some, mangroves have been
planted in an attempt to stabilize the sediments and prevent the turbidity spreading
into the lagoon.
The lagoon is shallow, from 0.5 to 3 m over most of its area, with deeper
channels (to 40 m) and passes through the fringing reef. Details of the biotopes,
their definitions and distributions have been report ed by Chapman et al. (2001) and
fall into four major categories: coral reef, co nsolidated reef limestone , lagoon sand
and rubble, and lagoon mud. Within these she recognizes 42 biotopes, mostly in the
coral reef and sand and rubble categories. The reef front drops some 10–20 m on to
an outer sandy plain that slopes down to 60 m, which is the average depth of the
Rodrigues shelf.
Annotated checklist
Explanation of sectional layout
Habitat. As observed on Rodrigues.
Habitat (inferred). As inferred from data elsewhere.
Distribution. On Rodrigues.
Remarks. Comments on habitat and distribution and notes on taxonomy or
identification.
Range. Geographic range with presence in the Mascarene region, excluding
Rodrigues, denoted by R, Re´union; M, Mauritius; S, Se ychelles.
Figured specimen. Length measurement and accession number of figured shell
(NMW, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff).
ARCOIDEA
ARCIDAE
ARCINAE
Arca avellana Lamarck, 1819
Habitat. Attached by a strong byssus to the undersides of, or crevices in,
coral rubble blocks from low in the littoral and sublittoral.
Distribution. An uncommon species on Rodrigues either as living examples
or shells.
Remarks. This species can be common in many parts of its Indo-Pacific
range and is well represented from Mauritius both in the literature and in collec-
tions. It is often confused with A. ventricosa Lamarck which is absent from
Rodrigues.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/R/S].
Figured specimen. From Red Sea 29.7 mm, NMW.Z. 1982.068.00015.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3231
Barbatia lacerata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat. Attached by a strong byssus to dead corals, coral rubble and occa-
sionally to basalt rock s.
Distribution. From low in the littoral to 10 m in lagoon channels. This
species can be abundant and is the dominant bivalve in the rubble fields of the
southern lagoon as well as living in turbid areas such as Baie du Nord
and Pointe Palmiste. It is not found in the reef front rubble beds and appears
to be positively linked with waters with a high suspension load. It can co-occur
with B. amygdalumtostum (see below) but that species is more often found in
clearer water. A detailed comparison of the distribution of these two species
might result in finding biological indicators of water turbidity.
Remarks. The widely separated rows of spicate, periostracal bristles distin-
guish B. lacerata from B. amygdalumtostum.
B. lacerata is very similar to B. setigera (Reeve, 1844) but differs in the form of
the periostracum. In both species the periostracum consists of widely spaced radial
rows of large bristles with a series of shorter lamellae between them. In B. lacerata
the bristles are less robust and the lamellae are moderately long with weak or
obsolete projecting hairs. In B. setigera the large bristles are more closely spaced
and robust and the lamellae are short with strong projecting hairs. These
observations agree with Kilburn (1983) but we would emphasize the form of the
intermediate lamellae rather than the form of the large bristles as the better
discriminatory character.
On Rodriguan specimens the posterior, internal coloration of B. lacerata is
purple black whereas on Mauritius all examined specimens were brown.
Range. Restricted to tropical south-east Africa and Mascarenes [M].
Figured specimen. 46.32 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00046.
Barbatia amygdalumtostum (Ro
¨
ding, 1798)
Habitat. Attached by a strong byssus to dead coral and coral rubble.
Distribution. From low in the littoral to 5 m. This species is common but
never in the numbers reached by B. lacerata. It has been found on the reef front
and other regions where the water is free from suspension load but it can
co-occur with B. lacerata.
Remarks. More commonly know n by the name B. fusca (Bruguie`re, 1789)
which is preoccupied.
Range. Indo-West Pacific [M/R/S].
Figured specimen. 40 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00005.
Barbatia parva (Sowerby, 1833)
Habitat. Attached by a weak byssus to the undersides of rocks and coral
rubble blocks.
Distribution. Has been found living only occasionally, but given its small size
and camouflaged appearance it may have been overlooked.
Remarks. May be taken for a juvenile of a larger, preceding Barbatia species
but it is of a pale brown colour, with soft periostracal hairs and umbos tinged
pink to red.
3232 P. G. Oliver et al.
Range. Ind o-West Pacific [R/S].
Figured specimen. 15.9 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00006.
Barbatia foliata agg. (Forsska˚l, 1775)
This is the most common Barbatia species of the Indo-Pacific, which has been
recorded from Mauritius, Re´union and the Seychelles. It is genuinely absent from
the Rodrigues lagoon.
Barbatia diphaeonotus Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat. In crevices in coral rubble, sublittoral.
Distribution. Various localities on the north coast.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Mascarenes only [R/M?].
Figured specimen. 6.55 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00006.
Barbatia pyrrhotus Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat. In crevices and on undersides of coral rubble, sublittoral.
Distribution. Various localities on the north coast.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Mascarenes only [R/M].
Figured specimen. 5.07 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00011.
Acar plicata (Dillwyn, 1817)
Habitat (inferred). Attached by a weak byssus to the undersides of rocks
and coral debris.
Distribution. Known from a single valve.
Remarks. This is another widespread and often common Indo-Pacific species
that is rare on Rodrigues.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 3.8 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00034.
Acar revelata (Deshayes, 1863)
Habitat. Attached by a moderate byssus to the undersides of dead coral
blocks.
Distribution. Has been found only once at 10 m in the channel south of Ile Hermitage.
Remarks. This is a large species to be included in the genus Acar but its
coarse ribbing and lack of a bristly periostracum separate it from the genus Bar-
batia. It is the A. caelata of Reeve, 1844, which is a preoccupied name.
Range. Western Indian Ocean [R/M].
Figured specimen. 53.1 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00007.
Acar marsupialis Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat (inferred). Known from valves only, presumed to inhabit deep cre-
vices or submarine caves.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3233
FIG.1.
3234 P. G. Oliver et al.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 2.21 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00004.
ANADARINAE
Anadara antiquata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat. Attached by a weak single-stranded byssus to stones or rubble semi-
buried in sea-grass beds or muddy sediments.
Distribution. Has been found in various areas of the lagoon and in channels
from 0.5 to 8 m.
Remarks. Massive examples were found in the channel off Ile Hermitage and simi-
lar shells have been found in shell middens (J. Light, personal observation), showing
that this species is exploited and may have been more common than now observed.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 55.1 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00008.
NOETIIDAE
STRIARCIINAE
Striarca symmetrica (Reeve, 1844)
Habitat. Attached by a weak byssus to the undersides or rocks and coral
rubble lower littoral and sublittoral.
Distribution. Pointe Coton, Totor, Grand Baie.
Remarks. Uncommon on Rodrigues but elsewhere can occur in large num-
bers in the littoral zone.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 6.5 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00058.
LIMOPSOIDEA
PHILOBRYIDAE
Cratis thylicus Oliver and Holm es, 2004
Habitat (inferred). Known from valves only, presumed to inhabit deep cre-
vices or submarine caves.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 1.34 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00014.
Cosa tholiatus Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat (inferred). Known from valves only, presumed to inhabit deep cre-
vices or submarine caves.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 1.35 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00048.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3235
MYTILOIDEA
MYTILINAE
Brachidontes pharaonis Fisher, 1870
Habitat. This species is found in a number of distinct habitats from mid to
low levels in the intertidal. Low in the intertidal it may form dense rafts totally
covering the surface of the rock, especially the limestone platforms at sites such
as Coton Baie, Petite Butte and Ile Gombrani. At mid-tide it can be found in
the pitted surface or undersides of basaltic rocks wherever these occur. On large b oulders
B. pharaonis may form a dense band on the lower surfaces and fill cracks at a higher
level, as can be seen adjacent to the road from Port Mathurin to Anse aux Anglais.
Distribution. This is believed to be the most abundant bivalve specie s and
can be found all around the island and lagoon islets wherever intertidal hard
substrates are available.
Remarks. More commonly known by its preoccupied name, B. variabilis,
Krauss, the shell morphology of B. pharaonis is, as the former name suggests, vari-
able and correlates to the habitat type. The typical form is roughly triangular with
prominent bifurcating ribbed sculpture and this form is found at mid-tide levels on
or under rocks and stones. When it inhabits exposed platforms and forms dense
rafts the outline is more rectangular, the shell is thinner, almost shiny and the sculp-
ture is almost absent. When forming dense bands around boulders or on sheltered
rocks the size is greater and the outline more elongate. These shells are often badly
eroded and surface features are not apparent. Similar observations were made for
Red Sea populations and it was concluded that despite the variation only a single
species is present (Arcidiacono and di Geronimo, 1976).
Range. Indo-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 22.09 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00036.
Brachidontes sp.
Habitat. Attached to the unde rsides of rocks at LWMOS (low water mark
of springs) in sheltered conditio ns.
Distribution. Known only from the harbour at Pointe Monier.
Remarks. The current confusion within the Brachidontes pharaonis complex
makes species discrimination difficult especially if based on shell characters
alone. However, the taxon under consideration differs from the entire range of
typical B. pharaonis found elsewhere in Rodrigues. The shells are more inflate d
with a much stronger median angle. The sculpture is stronger and more granular
and the dysodont teeth behind the ligament are very strong . There are multiple
teeth below the beak rather than the single tooth seen in typical B. pharaonis.
These differences can be regarded as inconclusive when considered within the
great range of variation recognized for B. pharaonis. However, the anatomical
character of the papillation of the posterior inhalant mantle edge appears diag-
nostic. In B. pharaonis from Rodrigues the papillae are large and terminate in
small fing er-like processes whereas in B. sp. the papillae are simple pimple-like
processes. Further research on both morphological and molecular characters is
required to resolve the problem.
Figured specimen. 20.0 mm, NMW.Z. 1999.073.00009.
3236 P. G. Oliver et al.
FIG.2.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3237
Septifer bilocularis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat. Attached by a byssus to coral debris and rocks from low in the
intertidal to a few metres. Has been found in mostly high-energy areas including
the limestone rock of the reef edge.
Distribution. Of infrequent occurrence except on the limestone rock reef edge
of the Por t Mathurin channel.
Range. Indo-Pacific [R/M/S?].
Figured specimen. 25.8 mm, NMW.Z. 1999.073.00042.
MODIOLINAE
Modiolus auriculatus (Krauss, 1848)
Habitat. Attached by a byssus, mostly in sand and rubble mixtures but also
in crevices and holes. Forms rafts on sand-covered rocks on the exposed north
and east co asts. Frequently heavily encrusted by macroalgae.
Distribution. Throughout the lagoon from low in the intertidal to a few
metres around the reef edge. Large densities occur along the more exposed east-
ern areas, notably at Pointe Coton.
Range. Indo-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 61.4 mm, NMW.Z. 2000.086.00051.
Modiolus hanleyi (Dunker, 1882)
Habitat. Lives in a nest of coral fragments and sand aggregated by fine
byssus threads, semi-buried in areas of sand and coral rubble.
Distribution. Dead shells can be foun d throughout the lagoon especially
around Passe Grand Bassin but the only living example was found among
rubble close to the reef edge off Ile Hermitage.
Remarks. This is one of the few large shells not recorded from other Mascar-
ene Islands but it agrees well with the figures in Lamprell and Healy (1998).
Range. Indo-Pacific.
Figured specimen. 50.85 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00037.
LITHOPHAGINAE
Lithophaga teres (Philippi, 1846)
Habitat. Boring into dead coral and the limestone rock.
Distribution. Despite the abundance of coral debris and the limestone rocks
the frequency of this, and other date mussels, appears to be low.
Remarks. This black-shelled species often co-occurs wi th the pale-coloured L.
robusta. The two are also distinguished on shell shape with L. robusta having
more prominent umbos and curved ligament margin.
Range. Indo-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 34.1 mm, NMW.Z. 1999.073.00010.
3238 P. G. Oliver et al.
Lithophaga robusta Lamy, 1919
Habitat. Boring into dead coral and the limestone rock from low in the intertidal.
Distribution. Petite Butte.
Remarks. See under L. teres for a comparison with that species. Specimens
recorded as L. lithophaga from the Mascarenes are most likely to be this species.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 31.5 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00011.
Leiosolenus obesus (Philippi, 1847)
Habitat. Boring into dead coral blocks in the sublittoral.
Distribution. Found only once off Ile Hermitage.
Remarks. This large species has a thin, smooth calcareous encrustation which
thickens on the posterior margi ns.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [S].
Figured specimen. 77.5 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00035.
CRENELLINAE
Rhomboidiella rodriguesensis Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat. In sandy, algal turf, nestling among the holdfasts and lower stems
of the smaller macroalgae on the lower shore.
Distribution. Pointe Coton, Gravier.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 1.52 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00001.
DACRYDINAE
Dacrydium zebra Hayami and Kase, 1993
Habitat (inferred). Known from valves only and presumed to inhabit deep
crevices or submarine caves.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rykuyu, Japan.
Figured specimen. 1.21 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00017.
PINNOIDEA
Pinna muricata Linnaeus, 1758
Habitat. Attached by a mass of fine byssus threads in sand and sand rubble
mixtures. Usually only the straight posterior edge is visible at the surface.
Distribution. Widely distributed throughout the lagoon wherever suitable sub-
strates are present, generally sublittoral.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 104.1 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00012.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3239
PTERIOIDEA
PTERIIDAE
Electroma fuscopurpurea (Smith, 1876)
Habitat. Attached by a byssus to a wide variety of living corals, usually of a
branching form. Also frequent on Millepora. From 0.5 to 10 m.
Distribution. Can be found around the lagoon but appears to prefer areas
with a higher suspension load and is a dominant feature in the area between Ile
Gombrani and Port Sud-Est.
Remarks. At first we believed this to be a variety of the widespread E. ala-
corvi (Dillwyn, 1817) but comparing Rodrigues material with that of E. alacorvi
from the Red Sea we found anatomical differences. This suggests that a complex
of species may exist. Observations in the Red Sea suggested that E. alacorvi was
always attached to Millepora and not hard corals (Zuschin and Oliver, 2003).
Such a restricted association is not the case at Rodrigues for E. fuscopurpurea.
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 39.3 mm, NMW.Z. 1999.073.00014.
Pinctada margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat. Attached by a byssus among coral debris, mostly sublittoral.
Distribution. Not or perhaps no longer common with only occasional indivi-
duals found living in the northern lagoon.
Remarks. Distinguished from other species of Pinctada by its greenish colour
with few white rays of projecting scales.
Range. Indo-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 98.0 mm, NMW.Z. 1958.158.02462.
Pinctada maculata Gould, 1850
Habitat. Attached by a byssus to the sides and undersides of rocks and coral
rubble blocks from the lower intertidal to a few metres.
Distribution. Found sporadically throughout the lagoon.
Remarks. Small, generally black, grey and purple species of Pinctada are
widespread throughout the region. They are difficult to identify as the shape of
the adductor scar is the critical character (Ranson, 1961). The Rodrigues speci-
mens agree well with P. maculata especially in the short tail of the adductor
scar. P. mauriti Jameson, 1901, described from Mauritius, is a synonym.
Range. Indo-Pacific [M].
Figured specimen. 18.6 mm, NMW.Z. 1999.073.00015.
ISOGNOMONIDAE
Parviperna nucleus (Lamarck, 1819)
Habitat. Attached by a byssus in crevices and holes on the upper sides of
rocks and boulders in the middle littoral.
Distribution. At scattered localities all around the island.
3240 P. G. Oliver et al.
FIG.3.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3241
Remarks. Rather variable in size and sculpture, tending to be small on
exposed coasts with the shell eroded or encrusted. In sheltered conditions shells
are larger and exhibit a scaly sculpture.
Range. Indo-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 16.2 mm, NMW.Z. 2000.086.00038.
PECTINOIDEA
PROPEAMUSSIDAE
Cyclochlamys plectofilum Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat (inferred). Known from valves only, presumed to inhabit deep cre-
vices or submarine caves.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 1.42 mm, NMW.Z. 2001.061.00018.
PECTINIDAE
Chlamys lemniscata (Reeve, 1853)
Habitat (inferred). Byssally attached among coral rubble.
Distribution. To date only valves of this species have been found at 10 m
depth off the reef front at Port Mathurin.
Remarks. This is the only pectinid that has been found to date, which is sur-
prising given the large variety of specie s associated with reefs found in other
parts of the western Indian Ocean.
Range. Indo-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 16.6 mm, NMW.Z. 1999.073.00013.
SPONDYLIDAE
Spondylus sp.
Habitat. Mostly found cemented to the undersides of coral rubble blocks at
the base of the reef front. Two specimens from Pointe Coton were attach ed in
exposed sites to the reef face.
Distribution. From the reef front at Grand Baie and Pointe Coton.
Remarks. The habitat of this species is unus ual in that it is often found on
the undersides of rocks and rubble rather than in open situations. The external
surface bears many riblets but few spines are present; internally the margin is
brown around the ears wi th the remainder varying from purple to deep orange.
It superficially resembles S. flabellum Reeve, 1856 as figured in Lamprell, 1987
(pl. 26, figure 2A).
Figured specimen. Large valve 54.8 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00054.
Spondylus candidus Lamarck, 1819
Habitat (inferred). Attached to dead corals.
Distribution. Precise locality uncertain.
3242 P. G. Oliver et al.
Remarks. Although represented by a singl e, small, valve, the intense coral
pink and black marked shell is distinctive.
Range. Ind o-Pacific.
Figured specimen. 11.33 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00039.
LIMOIDEA
LIMIDAE
Lima sowerbyi Deshayes, 1856
Habitat (inferred). Byssally attached under coral rubble blocks in the sublit-
toral to 20 m.
Distribution. Recorded from dead valves only.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. From Red Sea, 61.4 mm, NMW.Z.1993.006.00022.
Limaria fragilis (Gmelin, 1791)
Habitat. Free-living under rocks and large coral rubble blocks from
ELWMOS (extreme low water mark of springs) and below. Animals swim and
display a mass of red tentacles when disturbed.
Distribution. Throughout the lagoon.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 21.75 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00040.
Ctenoides annulatus (Lamarck, 1819)
Habitat. Attached by a weak byssus under or among coral rubble, sublittoral.
Distribution. Found once alive at a depth of 10 m off Ile Hermitage.
Remarks. Numbers of small valves were collected at Grand Pate´ along with
putative cavernicolous species but these are deemed not to represent C. minimus
Hayami and Kase, 1993 (Oliver and Holmes, 2004).
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 23.9 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00041.
Limatula cf. kinjoi Hayami and Kase, 1993
Habitat (inferred). Known from valves only, presumed to inhabit deep cre-
vices or submarine caves.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 0.79 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00020.
PLICATULOIDEA
PLICATULIDAE
Plicatula cf. complanata Deshayes, 1863
Habitat. Cemented to the surfaces of coral rubble blocks or lim estone rocks
from low in the littoral to a few metres.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3243
Distribution. Occasional throughout the lagoon but most common along with
Dendrostrea in the high suspension waters off Port Sud-Est.
Remarks. In life it is difficult to distinguish P.cf.complanata from the
oysters most often attached to the same rock or dead coral block. Most
specimens even if encrusted retain the divergent rib pattern which oysters do
not have.
No review of the species of Plicatula has ever been attempted and the
nominal Indo-Pacific taxa P. plicata and P. australis could be applied to the
range of forms found on Rodrigues. However, there are also regional
names available and we have adopted P. complanata based on shells from
Re´union.
Range. Re´union.
Figured specimen. Form A 30.0 mm, NMW.Z.2000.0 86.00052; form B
41.2 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00042.
OSTREOIDEA
GRYPHAEIDAE
Hyotissa numisma (Lamarck, 1819)
Habitat. Cemented to the undersides of rocks and dead coral rubble, genera-
lly in the littoral and shallow subtidal of the lagoon.
Distribution. Passe Grand Bassin.
Remarks. This flat, white oyster is completely cemented to the substrate and
can be difficult to recognize. It seems to be genuinely uncommon at Rodrigues
but externally can be confused with A. crenulifera and Plicatula and may there-
fore be more common.
Figured specimen. 37.6 mm, NMW.Z. 1999.073.00018.
Hyotissa sp.
Habitat. Cemented to dead coral and coral rubble.
Distribution. Found only occasionally in the sublittoral of the lagoon and on
the reef front at 15 m. Pointe Coton, Ile Hermitage, Blue Holes.
Remarks. This reddish purple oyster is generally circular in outline, lacks
marginal plications and is cemented by the whole of the lower valve. In these
respects it cannot be equated with either of the common Indian Ocean species,
H. numisma and H. hyotis.
Figured specimen. 51.5 mm, NMW.Z. 1999.073.00019.
OSTREIDAE
Ostrea hanleyi Sowerby, 1871
Habitat. Cemented to the undersides of limestone rocks and dead coral
blocks lying on silty sand from the mid-littoral to a few metres.
Distribution. Throughout the lagoon but common in turbid areas such as at
Pointe Palmiste.
Remarks. This is a thin-shelled oyster, generally lacking marginal plications
and of a uniform pale brown colour. It is possibly the same species as listed
under O. subucula, Jousseaume by Oliver (1992, 1995).
3244 P. G. Oliver et al.
Range. It has been found by the senior author in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea,
Seychelles and Mauritius.
Figured specimen. 30.2 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00020.
Dendrostrea crenulifera (Sowerby, 1871)
Habitat. Attached to coral rubble and limestone rocks, sublittoral.
Distribution. Throughout the lagoon but abundant off Port Sud-Est, Ile Her-
mitage and Ile Gombrani.
Remarks. Small strong-shelled oysters with small but distinct marginal plica-
tions can be assigned to either Alectryonella or Dendrostrea. The pattern of cho-
mata is variable and this group of oysters needs further work to resolve the
actual number of species present.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [S/M].
Figured specimen. Val ve 30.8 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00017.
Lophinae sp.
Habitat. Attached to the insides of the dead valves of a variety of bivalve
species but mostly on Tridacna.
Distribution. Anse aux Anglais, Baie Pistache.
Remarks. This very small, very flat oyster has a few strong divergent radial
ribs and is consequently quite distinctive. It may, however, be no more than an
ecomorph of A. crenulifera.
Figured specimen. 21.8 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00021.
Saccostrea cucullata (Born, 1778)
Habitat. Attached to rocks and forming layered beds in the intertidal.
Distribution. Although reported by Faure´(1973)wecouldfindnolivingexam-
ples. In Baie du Nord and Baie Topaze long-dead layered beds can be found.
Remarks. Le´guat (1708) reported eating abundant oysters from a bay adjacent
to Port Mathurin, presumably Baie au Huıˆtres. Today living oysters are absent
from all of the sheltered bays along the north coast and Baie Topaze in the
west. Enquiries suggest that there is no local memory of living oyster beds and
therefore that they have been dead for some 70–90 years. The cause of this
decline could be over consumption or the siltation of these bays by
terrestrial erosion.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 72.1 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00043.
Saccostrea cf. cucullata
Habitat. Cemented mostly to the undersides of rocks at low water mark.
Distribution. This oyster has been found only in the harbour at Pointe
Monier.
Remarks. This is a small (3 cm) flat oyster with weak marginal plications
and is typically rayed with purple. Strong ostreine chomata are restricted to the
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3245
FIG.4.
3246 P. G. Oliver et al.
adjacent hinge margins. Given the enormous variation in S. cucullata these may
represent this species but the almost subtidal habitat is unusual.
Figured specimen. 44 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00016.
LUCINOIDEA
LUCINIDAE
Codakia punctata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat (inferred). Burrowing in sand and often associated with sea-grass
beds from low in the littoral and sublittoral.
Distribution. Valves, mostly worn, have been found at scattered localities.
Remarks. See under C. tigerina.
Range. Ind o-Pacific, but absent from the Arabian Sea [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 53.1 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00048.
Codakia tigerina (Linaeus, 1758)
Habitat (inferred). Burrowing in sand and often associated with sea-grass
beds from low in the littoral and sublittoral.
Distribution. Valves, mostly worn, have been found at scattered localities.
Remarks. Neither of the large Codakia species was found alive, and the scarcity of
shells suggests that both are rare in the lagoon. This contrasts with other Mascarene
Islands where Codakia speciesare prominent components of sea-grass bed communities.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 45.5 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00024.
Ctena cf. reevei (Deshayes, 1863)
Habitat. Buried in coarse sand around the edges or under rocks and coral
rubble from low in the littoral and sublittoral.
Distribution. At scattered localities throughout the lagoon.
Remarks. These shells exhibit a divaricating sculpture and a deeply sunken
ligament and in our opinion belong to the genus Ctena. This species is part of a
complex of forms which may include ‘Lucina’ divergens Philippi, 1850, ‘L.’ fibula
Reeve, 1850 and ‘L.’ bella Conrad, 1834. The relationships and synonymy of
this complex require a review and we have chosen to use the regional name
Lucina reevei which was first described from Re´union.
Range. ? [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 28.9 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00025.
Epicodakia minuata (Deshayes, 1863)
Habitat (inferred). Probably burrowing in sand or sandy gravels within the
lagoon.
Distribution. Scattered dead shells and valves have been found occasionally
in the lagoon.
Remarks. The shells that we have assigned to this species are often confused
with juveniles of species of the genus Ctena but they do not have any divergent
sculpture and the ligament is not sunken. They agree well with the type figures
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3247
of Lucina minuata in Deshayes (1863) from Re´union and other shells are present
in the Viader collection from M auritius.
Range. Uncertain [R/M].
Figured specimen. 9.7 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00044.
Anodontia ovum (Reeve, 1850)
Habitat (inferred). Burrows in sand and muddy sand often associated with
sea-grass beds from low in the littoral and sublittoral.
Distribution. Shells and valves were frequently recorded throughout the
lagoon but not in large numbers.
Remarks. This taxon has frequently been assumed to be identical with A.
edentula (L., 1758) but a current review (J. D. Taylor, personal communication)
reveals that this is not so.
Range. Indo-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 29.7 mm, NMW.Z. 1999.073.00022.
UNGULINIDAE
(Superfamily unresolved)
Diplodonta lateralis Smith, 1876
Habitat. Burrowing in muddy sand to a depth of 15 cm from low in the lit-
toral and sublittoral.
Distribution. Found living beyond the mangroves in Anse Pansia but valves
can be found scattered throughout the lagoon.
Remarks. We have retained the name given by Smith (1876) for the
Rodrigues shells but note the similarity to D. subrotundata Issel, 1869. Kilburn
(1996) retains D. lateralis for one souther n African species but does not consider
the name subrotundata. Further research is ne eded to clarify potential synonymy.
Range. If subrotundata then western Indian Ocean, if lateralis then south-east
Africa and Mascarenes [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 18.6 mm, NMW.Z. 1999.073.00023.
THYASIRIDAE
(Superfamily unresolved)
Thyasira sp.
Habitat (inferred). Known from a single valve only, presumed to inhabit fine
sediments offshore.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Uncertain.
Figured specimen. 2.0 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00022.
GALEOMMATOIDEA
GALEOMMATIDAE
Amphilepida aurantia (Deshayes, 1835)
Habitat. Under coral rubble blocks and large rocks resting on sand or sand
rubble mixtures from low in the littoral and sublittoral.
3248 P. G. Oliver et al.
Distribution. Ile aux Fous, Ile Hermitage, Petite Butte.
Remarks. In life the shell is entirely covered by the pustulose mantle but the
orange shell can be seen through the tissues. The valves gape widely when crawl-
ing unlike species of Scintilla where the valves remain in an almost normal
orientation.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 9.7 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00004.
Galeomma sagenata Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat. Known from a single specimen only, from sublittoral crevice at 15 m.
Distribution. Passe Demi.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 4.81 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00023.
Galeomma sp.
Habitat (inferred). Known from a single valve only from sublittoral shell
gravel at 17 m. As with other species it lives in crevices or under rocks.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Uncertain.
Figured specimen. 2.1 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00024.
Scintilla pisum Sowerby, 1862
Habitat. In crevices and holes on the reef front and slope, lower littoral and
sublittoral.
Distribution. Living specimens from Totor only but probably all around the
reef front.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Mascarenes [M].
Figured specimen. 8.49 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00025.
Scintilla larcombae Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat. In crevices and holes of the corals on the reef front.
Distribution. Living specimens from Totor, shells from Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 3.29 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00028.
Scintilla vitrea Deshayes, 1856
Habitat. Under large stones and rocks lying on sand within the lagoon.
Distribution. Anse aux Anglais, Petite Butte, Ile Hermitage, Grand Baie,
Plaine Mapou.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Phi lippines and Rodrigues.
Figured specimen. 7.37 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00004.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3249
FIG.5.
3250 P. G. Oliver et al.
Scintilla anomala Deshayes, 1856
Habitat. Under large stones and rocks lying on sand within the lagoon.
Distribution. Anse aux Anglais, Ile Hermitage.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Phi lippines and Rodrigues.
Figured specimen. 9.21 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00007.
Scintilla lynchae Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat. Under large stones and rocks lying on sand within the lagoon.
Distribution. Petite Butte, Plaine Mapou, Ile Hermitage.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 8.98 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00011.
Scintilla sp. A
Habitat (inferred). Unknown.
Distribution. Baie du Nord.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Unknown.
Figured specimen. 2.62 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00012.
Scintilla sp. B
Habitat (inferred). Unknown.
Distribution. Anse aux Anglais.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Unknown.
Figured specimen. 14.9 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00013.
ERYCINIDAE
Lasaea sp.
Habitat. Attached by a byssus among Brachidontes and Parviperna aggrega-
tions in the littoral zone but not in the sand filled rafts of Brachidontes on the
lower exposed shores.
Distribution. Common wherever the associated species occur.
Remarks. In light of the findings of O
´
Foighil and Thiriot-Quie´vreux (1999)
we refrain from applying a species name to the Rodrigues population of Lasaea.
The prodissoconch size of the Rodrigues shells is around 420 mm and therefore
not that of L. australis as described by the above authors, but similar to the
polyloid population described by them. Without a molecular analysis it is not
possible to discern the affinities of the Rodrigues population.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 3.1 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00026.
Scacchia rodriguesensis Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat (inferred). Know n from valves only from soft sublittoral muds in
the lagoon but is probably commensal with a larger burrowing invertebrate.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3251
Distribution. Baie du Nord.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 1.90 mm, NMW.Z. 2001.061.00033.
KELLIIDAE
Kellia sp.
Habitat (inferred). Known from a single shell taken from a crevice in the
coral rock of the reef front.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Uncertain.
Figured specimen. 4.37 mm, NMW.Z. 2001.061.00031.
MONTACUTIDAE
Montacutidae sp.
Habitat (inferred). Known from a single shell taken from a crevice in the
coral rock of the reef front.
Distribution. Gravier.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Uncertain.
Figured specimen. 3.32 mm, NMW.Z. 2000.086.00014.
CYAMIOIDEA
CYAMIIAE
‘Lutetina’ capricornica n. sp.
Habitat (inferred). Known from valves only from sublittoral shell gravel at 18 m.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Uncertain.
Figured specimen. 1.97 mm, NMW.Z. 2001.061.00035.
SPORTELLIDAE
Basterotia borbonica (Deshayes, 1863)
Habitat. Attached by a weak byssus on the undersides of rocks and stones
embedded in sand at mid-littoral levels. Associated with an echiurid.
Distribution. Anse aux Anglais, Pointe Coton, Anse Tasman, Ile Hermitage.
Remarks. Although the Sportellidae have been thou ght to be commensal this
is the first confirmation of an association.
Range. Indian Ocean [R].
Figured specimen. 3.4 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00032.
Basterotia sp.
Habitat (inferred). Known from two valves only from sublittoral shell gravel
at 17 m.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
3252 P. G. Oliver et al.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Uncertain.
Figured specimen. 3.4 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00038.
CARDITOIDEA
CARDITIDAE
Cardita variegata Bruguie`re, 1792
Habitat. Attached by a weak byssus under rocks and coral rubble from low
in the littoral and sublittoral.
Distribution. Occasional, living at Petite Butte, Pointe Coton.
Remarks. The Rodrigues shells are small, scarcely exceeding 20 mm and often
lacking the prominent black spots normally present on the shell. They agree
with C. caliculaeformis Deshayes, 1863 described from Re´union but we suggest
that this is no more than a variety of C. variegata.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 17.5 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00040.
Centrocardita pileolata Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat. In crevices and possibly in submarine caves, lower littoral and sub-
littoral.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 2.90 mm, NMW.Z.2001.06.00039.
CONDYLOCAR DIIDAE
Condylocuna io (Bartsch, 1915)
Habitat. In sandy algal turf in the lower littoral.
Distribution. Pointe Coton, Gravier.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. South-east Australia and South Africa.
Figured specimen. 0.80 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00030.
CHAMOIDEA
CHAMIDAE
Chama lazarus Linnaeus, 1758
Habitat (inferred). Cemented to the surface of reef limestone or coral
rubble, sublittoral.
Distribution. Only a single valve has been found (Tara Lynch) and the spe-
cies is presumably living on the reef slope or beyond.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. Not from Rod rigues, 92.3 mm, NMW.Z.1955.158.02461.
Chama asperella Lamarck, 1819
Habitat. Cemented to limestone rocks and coral debris from low in the
littoral and sublittoral.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3253
FIG.6.
3254 P. G. Oliver et al.
Distribution. Scarce with single individuals found at Pointe Coton and Anse
aux Anglais.
Remarks. In many parts of the Indian Ocean Chama species are very
common and C. aspere lla is the most common intertidal form. Its rarity and
paucity of all Chama species in the Rodrigues lagoon is noteworthy.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 22.4 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00059.
CARDIOIDEA
CARDIIDAE
Fulvia dulce Deshayes, 1863
Habitat. Juveniles were found in the muddy sediments of Baie du Nord.
Distribution. Although the juveniles were found living at Baie du Nord the
adult shells were found at scattered locations throughout the lagoon.
Remarks. This species is close to F. australe (Sowerby, 1834) but Vidal
(1994) retains its identity citing the more quadrangular outline and periostracal
insertions as distinctive. Viader (1937) regarded it as a synonym of F. papyra-
ceum~F. fragile (Forsska˚l, 1775).
Range. Western Indian Ocean [R/M].
Figured specimen. 24.7 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00027.
Fragum nivale (Reeve, 1845)
Habitat (inferred). In the surface of coral sands in the sublittoral.
Distribution. Found as valves only in scattered locations.
Remarks. All valves found so far are small not exceeding 10 mm and all
have been disarticulated. This species would appear to be scarce. This species
has not been recorded from Mauritius but there may be confusion with F.
fragum which Viader (1937) notes.
Range. Ind ian Ocean [S].
Figured specimen. 12.0 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00028.
Vasticardium pectiniforme (Born, 1790)
Habitat. Living close to the surface on coarse sand among coral debris in
the sublittoral.
Distribution. Found only once alive between Hermitage and Gombrani but
dead shells and disarticulated valves are common in this area and are not infre-
quent throughout the lagoon.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 41.7 mm, NMW.Z.20000.086.00048.
Vasticardium cf. assimile
Habitat (inferred). Burrowing close to the surface of coral sand in the sublit-
toral.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3255
Distribution. This species has been found as dead shells only with articulated
fresh valves from Passe Grand Bassin and Grand Baie.
Range. Indian Ocean [M/S].
Figured specimen. 46.1 mm, NMW.Z. 20000.086.00049.
TRIDACNIDAE
Tridacna maxima (Ro
¨
ding, 1798)
Habitat. Byssally attached and semi-embedded mostly on the reef crest.
Distribution. Giant clams are not infrequent around the lagoon.
Remarks. Tridacna remains part of the artisanal fishery and can be found among
middens although not in the same numbers as Turbo and Pleuroploca spp.
Range. Indo-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. Not a Rodrigues shell, 160.0 mm, NMW.Z.1955.158.2465.
MACTROIDEA
MESODESMATIDAE
Atactodea striata (Gmelin, 1791)
Habitat (inferred). Burrowing in sand beaches in the upper littoral.
Distribution. Disarticulated valves have been found along the strand-lines of
the shores on the north coast but no living specimens have been found.
Remarks. In other parts of the Indian Ocean this species is abundant in sand
beaches of moderate energy and is replaced by donacids in high-energy condi-
tions. It is frequently part of local subsistence diets and may have been depleted
in Rodrigues. Alternatively, the nature of the north coast beaches may have
changed with the increasing silt content reported by residents.
Range. Indo-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 37.4 mm, NMW.Z. 2000.086.00050.
TELLINOIDEA
TELLINIDAE
TELLININAE
Tellina (Quidnipagus) palatum (Iredale, 1929)
Habitat. Burrowing to depths of 30 cm in sands and muddy sands from the
lowest littoral and sublittoral. Can also be found in pebble mixtures such as at
Songe and also in holes in coral rubble which have become covered by sediment.
Distribution. Collected by us alive at Petite Butte but shells and valves are
common at scattered localities throughout the lagoon.
Remarks. The shells from coarse substrates and holes are often distorted but
the sculptural pattern remains distinctive. This species known locally as Tek-Tek
is used as bait and may also be eaten.
Range. Indo-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 61.5 mm, NMW.Z. 19999.073.00030.
Tellina (Tellinella) staurella Lamarck, 1818
Habitat (inferred). An active burrower probably to depths of 20 cm in coral
sands, sublittoral.
3256 P. G. Oliver et al.
Distribution. Infrequent, found only as valves, usually worn, at scattered
localities throughout the lagoon.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 54.0 mm, NMW.Z.1955.158.02464.
Tellina (Scutarcopagia) scobinata Linnaeus, 1758
Habitat (inferred). Burrowing deeply (30 cm) in sand and sand rubble mix-
tures, sublittoral.
Distribution. Despite the frequent occurrence of shells and valves we failed to
find living examples. Shells and valves are frequent at scattered locations
throughout the lagoon.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 63.8 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00047.
Tellina (Pinguitellina) pinguis Hanley, 1844
Habitat. Burrowing in muddy and silty sand from low in the littoral and
sublittoral.
Distribution. Living examples have been collected at the outer areas of Anse
aux Huıˆtres, Baie du Nord and at Petite Butte. Shells and valves are frequent
throughout the lagoon.
Remarks. The living material and those valves from the associated sites are
generally small (5 mm), fragile and retain weak concentric lines. Some valves
from the outer lagoon are larger (10 mm), shining and smoot h, and comply with
T. (P.) robusta Hanley, 1844. We regard both forms as part of the growth
series of a singl e specie s, as did Oliver (1992), but the two are retained by
Lamprell and Whitehead (1992). All previous records of this species from the
Mascarenes are under T. robust a .
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 9.0 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00031.
Tellina (Pistris) pristis Lamarck, 1818
Habitat (inferred). Pr obably in muddy sand, sublittoral.
Distribution. Valves only found in harbour at Pointe Monier and on the
sand dredgings at Plaine Corail.
Remarks. The Rodrigues shells are thin and not quite like T. capsoides from
the Arabian/Red Sea with which Boss (1969) synonymized pristis and ostracea.
None of the taxa recorded by Viader (1937) can be interpreted as this species.
Range. Uncertain, Indo-Pacific.
Figured specimen. 26.2 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00032.
Tellina sp.
Habitat. Fine muddy sand.
Distribution. Baie du Nord.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3257
FIG.7.
3258 P. G. Oliver et al.
Remarks. This is a small pink/white but hyaline shell allied to the subgenus
Nitiditellina. We have not been able to link it with any named species but the
taxonomy of these small tellins is complex.
Figured specimen. 11.6 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00055.
MACOMINAE
Loxoglypta clathrata (Deshayes, 1835)
Habitat (inferred). In coral sand, sublittoral.
Distribution. Valves have been found at scattered locations throughout the
lagoon.
Remarks. We have very little material, much of which is in poor condition.
The rather narrow outline and scissulate sculpture on both valves are, however,
indicative of L. clathrata. The shells can be white, rayed or bright pink in
colour. This species has been frequently cited as Tellina rhomboides Quoy and
Gaimard, 1835.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 16.6 mm, NMW.Z.1955.158.02463.
Scissulina dispar Conrad, 1837
Habitat. Burrowing in coralline sand.
Distribution. Passe Grand Bassin, Port Sud-Est.
Remarks. The outline of this species is deeper than that of L. clathrata and
the scissulate sculpture appears on the right valve only. The Rodrigues shells are
white, lacking the colour seen elsewhere in the region.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 27.1 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00045.
SEMELIDAE
Leptomya subrostrata (Issel, 1869)
Habitat (inferred). Burrowing in silty sand, sublittoral.
Distribution. Valves are not uncommon throughout the lagoon.
Remarks. This species is not in literature records from the Mascarenes but
may be the same as that identified as L. psittacus (Hanley, 1879) from South
Africa (Barnard, 1964) and Mauritius (Viader, 1937).
Range. Western Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Red Sea [M/S].
Figured specimen. 23.9 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00035.
Rochefortina sandwichensis (Smith, 1885)
Habitat (inferred). Known from valves only from sublittoral shell gravel at 17 m.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Ind o-Pacific [S].
Figured specimen. 2.94 mm, NMW.Z. 2001.061.0004 1.
Semele lamellosa (Sowerby, 1833)
Habitat. Burrowing in sand among coral rubble, sublittoral.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3259
FIG.8.
3260 P. G. Oliver et al.
Distribution. Living west of Ile Hermitage. Ile Gombrani.
Remarks. This is a large shell with widely spaced recurving lamellae that are
crispate along their upper margins. It is similar to S. carni color (see below) but
in that species the lamellae are lower, more dense and the crispate sculpture is
expressed on both the lamellae and the inter spaces. From the Viader collection
in the National Museum of Wales this is the S. crenulata listed but it is not the
S. jukesi listed in Viader (1937).
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M].
Figured specimen. 36.0 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00041.
Semele carnicolor (Hanley, 1844)
Habitat. Burrowing in sand supporting the sea grass Halophila, sublittoral.
Distribution. Living in Passe Grand Bassin.
Remarks. See under S. lamellosa .
Range. Ind o-Pacific.
Figured specimen. 30.7 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00029.
Semele borbonica (Deshayes, 1863)
Habitat (inferred). Pr obably burrowing in coral sand.
Distribution. A single shell from the reef front at Passe Demi, 18 m.
Remarks. This is a small rounded shell with a very fine dense sculptu re
of concentric threads. There are traces of pink radial rays on the inner
margins. This shell equates well with the type illustrations and similarly
labelled material from Mauritius held in the Viader collection in the National
Museum of Wales.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M].
Figured specimen. 11.9 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00056.
SOLECURTIDAE
Azorinus coarctatus (Gmelin, 1791)
Habitat (inferred). Burrowing in mud and muddy sand, sublittoral.
Distribution. In situ valves were found in sticky mud in Baie du Nord and
valves at the sand dredging station at Plaine Corail.
Remarks. This species has not been recorded from the Mascarenes but is pre-
sent around Mauritius and Seychelles (personal observation).
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 35.6 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00033.
PSAMMOBIIDAE
Asaphis violascens (Forsska˚l, 1775)
Habitat. Burrowing in coarse sand among rocks and coral debris, littoral.
Distribution. Live specimens were found at Ile aux Fous and Ile Herm itage
and shells and valves can be found scattered throughout the lagoon. Locals dig
for them at Grand Var.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 88.6 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00034.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3261
FIG.9.
3262 P. G. Oliver et al.
ARCTICOIDEA
TRAPEZIDAE
Trapezium oblongum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat (inferred). In crevices and holes on reefs.
Distribution. Rivie`re Banane, a single shell only.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 46.9 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00057.
Glossocardia obesa (Reeve, 1843)
Habitat (inferred). Known only from a single large shell and a few juveniles.
Distribution. The adult shell was collected from the reef front off Grand Baie
and the juveniles from Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 38.4 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.00053.
Coralliophaga coralliophaga (Gmelin, 1791)
Habitat (inferred). Burrowing into coral rubble and coral rock.
Distribution. Grand Pate´.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 2.49 mm, NMW.Z.2001.061.0042.
VENEROIDEA
VENERIDAE
VENERINAE
Periglypta crispata (Deshayes, 1854)
Habitat (inferred). Among sand between rocks and coral rubble, sublittoral.
Distribution. Only a single worn valve from Anse aux Anglais.
Remarks. The slightly elongate outline and lack of coloration on the
hinge confirm that this shell is neither P. reticulata nor P. puerpera.
Similar shells from the Red Sea are referred to P. crispata by Dekker and
Orlin (2000) but to P. clathrata by Lamprell and Whitehead (1992). The two are
likely to be synonymous, consequently we use the earliest available name which
is P. crispata.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 52.1 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00037.
PITARINAE
Pitar obliquata (Hanley, 1844)
Habitat. Burrowing close to the surface in silty coral sand, sublittoral.
Distribution. A live specimen was collected in Passe Grand Bassin but fresh
shells can be found at many sandy areas of the lagoon.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3263
FIG. 10.
3264 P. G. Oliver et al.
Remarks. The colour pattern of this species is variable from almost uni-
formly white through white with faint brown markings to rayed brown, cream
and white. Viader (1937) records it under four names and Lamprell and Kilburn
(1999) give P. prora (Conrad, 1837) as the name for the Mascarene shells. We
agree that it is not P. affinis (Gmelin, 1791) but are not convinced that Lamprell
is correct. We con sequently adopt Hanley’s name as the best and earliest name
available.
Range. Ind ian Ocean but not Red Sea or Arabian Sea [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 43.7 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00036.
Lioconcha ornata (Dillwyn, 1817)
Habitat (inferred). Burrowing close to the surface of coral sands, sublittoral.
Distribution. Known only from a single valve from Port Mathurin Bay.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 26.5 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.0039.
CHIONIAE
Timoclea (Glycodonta) marica (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat. Burrowing to shallow depths in silty coral sand, sublittoral.
Distribution. Found living alongside Dosinia histrio in Passe Grand Bassin
but valves can be found at scattered locations.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 28.5 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00038.
DOSINIINAE
Dosinia histrio (Gmelin, 1791)
Habitat. Burrowing to shallow depths in silty sand, sublittoral.
Distribution. Living from Passe Grand Bassin but numerous articulated shells
on the intertidal flats on the west side of Ile Hermitage.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 30.7 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00043.
CIRCIINAE
Gafrarium pectinatum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Habitat. In coarse sand and among coral rubble often under or around larger
blocks and rocks. Juveniles byssally attached. Lower littoral and sublittoral.
Distribution. The most frequently encountered ‘clam’ found living at many
locations.
Remarks. This is the only species of Gafrarium living in the Rodrigues
lagoon whereas in Mauritius and Seychelles both G. tumidum Ro
¨
ding, 1798 and
G. dispar (Holten, 1802) are present.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 42.3 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00044.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3265
FIG. 11.
3266 P. G. Oliver et al.
TAPETINAE
Tapes deshayesi (Hanley, 1844)
Habitat (inferred). Burrowing to shallow depths in sands, sublittoral.
Distribution. Valves have been found at scattered localities throughout the lagoon.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S].
Figured specimen. 31.5 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00046.
Irus macrophylla (Deshayes, 1853)
Habitat. In holes and crevices of coral debris and limestone rocks and in the
cavities of vesicular basalt, mid-littoral and sublittoral.
Distribution. Throughout the lagoon.
Remarks. Juvenile shells show a much finer sculpture and lack the large
lamellae of the adult.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [R/M/S].
Figured specimen. 9.5 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00047.
PETRICOLIDAE
Petricola lapicida (Gmelin, 1791)
Habitat. Boring into dead coral and coral rubb le.
Distribution. From scattered locations throughout the lagoon.
Range. Ind o-Pacific [M/S]
Figured specimen. 19.3 mm, NMW.Z.1999.073.00045.
GASTROCHAEN OIDEA
Gastrochaena sp.
Habitat. Boring in coral rubble.
Distribution. A single small living example has been found at the NW e nd of
Ile Gombrani.
Remarks. Gastrochaena species are often the most numerous boring bivalves
in dead coral but are almost absent on Rodrigues.
Figured specimen. 3.12 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00053.
PANDOROIDEA
THRACIIDAE
Thracia arienatoma Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat. In sandy algal turf in the lower littoral.
Distribution. Pointe Coton, Gravier, west of Port Mathurin and NW end of
Ile Gombrani.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. 1.67 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00015.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3267
FIG. 12.
3268 P. G. Oliver et al.
CLAVAGELLIDAE
Dianadema mascarenensis Oliver and Holmes, 2004
Habitat. Cemented to other bivalve shells that are also attached or embedded
in coral rubble, sublittoral.
Distribution. Totor.
Remarks. See Oliver and Holmes (2004).
Range. Rodrigues only.
Figured specimen. Rig ht valve 8.32 mm, NMW.Z.2000.086.00015.
Discussion
The recent surveys of Rodrigues have raised the recorded number of bivalve
taxa to 109, far in excess of the 16 cited by Viader (1937). This in itself is not
surprising given the scant attention paid to Rodrigues prior to our work. However,
the number of taxa compared to other Mascarene Islands is small. Viader (1937)
lists 279 species from Mauritius and Jarrett (2000) lists 142 from the Seychelles. The
latter is surely an underestimate; our surveys (Oliver et al., in preparation) will add
at least another 50 taxa to the Seychelles inventory. Data supplied by Mau rice Jay
(personal communication) suggest some 420 bivalve species from Re´union. Of the
Rodrigues species 24 (22%) are minute, under 4 mm in length, and are of a size
range seldom sampled elsewhere. Consequently, the lists from Mauritius and
Seychelles are likely to be underestimates suggesting that the bivalve fauna of
Rodrigues is truly impoverished. Data on total molluscan diversity for Re´union and
Mauritius (Drivas and Jay, 1988) suggest that Mauritius has the greatest number of
taxa (3500) while Re´union has 2500. Extrapolating the bivalve data from Re´union
to Mauritius, which suggest that bivalves make up 17% of the malacofauna,
increases the number of bivalves on Mauritius to 588.
Considerations of the causes of such impoverishm ent, especially of island biota,
often centre on concepts of isolation. The islands of the Mascarene plateau have a
complex geological history with the ages of the Mascarene Islands ranging from 1.5
to 7 million years. Mauritius at 7 million years appears to have the greatest diversity
followed by Re´union (2 million years) and then Rodrigues (1.5 million years). The
much older granitic islands of the Seychelles appear less divers e than either Re´union
or Mauritius. There appears to be no relation between species richness and ages of
the islands and we cannot assume that the malacofauna of Rodrigues is small
because Rodrigues is the youngest of the islands.
Drivas and Jay (1988) suggest that the higher number of molluscs on Mauritus
is due to the wider range of habitats available compared to Re´union. Coppejans
et al. (2004) come to the same conclusion when comparing the marine flora of the
Mascarenes. Given the extensive lagoon surrounding Rodrigues one might expect
habitat variety to be high but there are some immediately noticeable absences,
namely sea-grass beds (other than Halophila) and native mangroves. The Rodrigues
lagoon is relatively shallow throughout with only a few channels exceeding 3–4 m
depth. On Mauritius the lagoon, although narrower, is more variable bathy-
metrically, allowing a wide range of soft sediment biotopes and sheltered hard
substrates to develop. The shallow Rodrigues lagoon is dominated by coral sand
soft sediments a nd the reef structures within the lagoon are generally rather
uniform (Chapman and Turner, 2001). The absences of the above habitats can be
reflected in species absences. Rodrigues has only a single species of Gafrarium, G.
Marine Bivalvia of Rodrigues 3269
pectinatum, whereas both Mauritius and Seychelles have an additional two species.
Gafrarium tumidum is associated with mangrove front mud flats and G. dispar with
Thalassa an d Cymodocea sea-grass beds. Other species absences are more difficult
to explain, for example those of the reef-associated Hyotissa hyotis, Lopha
cristagalli and the generally low numbers of Spondylus and Chama. These species
are conspicuous components of coral reefs and their scarcity is genuine and not a
result of being overlooked. All are suspension feeders and may reflect the primary
production conditions associated with the Mascarene plateau. SeaWIFS images
suggest that Rodrigues does not experience fluctuating chlorophyll concentrations
unlike the seasonal boosts in primary production seen along the Mascarene plateau.
Rodrigues remains surrounded by extreme oligotrophic conditions and this may
wholly or in part explain the absence of large suspension-feeding bivalves.
The discussion above is brief and reflects the very incomplete datasets upon
which to base comparison of regional and composition variations. Two major
factors hinder proper biogeographic analyses in the Indian Ocean: the lack of
taxonomic congruence between published data and the incompleteness of the
biodiversity inventories.
The taxonomy of the published data varies considerably and is prim arily
incongruent through historical changes in nomenclature. Viader’s (1937) list for
Mauritius contains many names that are now seldom applied in the region and
without illustrations any reassessment is impossible. Fortunately, Viader’s
collection is extant (part in the National Museum of Wales, part in the Australian
Museum Sydney) and it is only with such relevant collections that much of the
historical data can be included in creating inventories and clarifying nomenclature
and identifications.
The intensity and scope of surveys vary greatly according to the area examined,
the depth range investigated and the effort made in sampling. In the present study
we have already acknowledged the lack of study on the Rodri gues shelf. We have
sparse recorded data on the range of sites and habitats from which Viader’s list was
compiled. Furthermore, is it reasonable to compare any of the small Mascarene
Islands with the Seychelles which comprise numerous islands set on the Seychelles
plateau, which is many times the area of the individual Mascarene Islands? Should
the Mascarenes be compared to Mahe´, which is of comparable size, rather than to
the Seychelles group as a whole? Bouchet et al. (2002) describe extreme species
richness from New Caledonia but the intensity of the sampling programme there
exceeds that of most other studies. Simi lar investment of resources needs to be
applied to other regions of the Indo-Pacific before true biogeographic comparisons
can be made.
Acknowledgements
We wish to thank the members of Shoals Rodrigues for their hospitality and
help, as well as for the access to their laboratory, boats and equipment without
which this inventory would be the poorer. We also wish to thank the Shoals of
Capricorn Programme, the National Museum of Wales and the Conchological
Society of Great Britain and Ireland for additional resources without which the
fieldwork could not have been undertaken. Members of the First International
Marine Biodiversity Workshop for Rodrigues are responsible for collecting many of
the unusual species and without their help this list would be, again, much the
poorer.
3270 P. G. Oliver et al.
All the authors who participated in the 2000 trip wish to thank D’Artagnan
Roussety for his cooking skills and Rodriguan hospitality.
The work described in this paper was undertaken as part of the Royal
Geographical Society (with IBG)–Royal Society Shoals of Capricorn Programme,
western Indian Ocean, 1998–2001. This is Shoals Contribution No. P041.
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