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Food and Feeding Habits of Mangrove Shellfish, Telescopium Telescopium (linnaeus, 1758) in Bangladesh

M. Beniaz Zaman
Department of Zoology, Khulna Public College, Khulna-9000, Bangladesh

M. Sarwar Jahan
Institute of Environmental Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Experiments on food and feeding behaviour of Telescopium telescopium was conducted in the Sundarbans and surrounding area during January to December 2008. The stomach contents of 960 individuals were examined, in which 74.79% and 25.21% were found with and without food respectively. Of the 74.79% stomach with food 16.98%, 18.23%, 21.14% and 18.44% were full fed, ¾ fed, ½ fed and ¼ fed respectively. The intensity of feeding in tidal cycle and monthly sampling periods showed a clear trend. The snail fed mainly at low tide and preferred grazing at day time in winter and night in summer in spring tide. They consumed fine particulate mud along with organic detritus from upper intertidal surface sediment using its long extensible snout. In the time of neap tide especially in winter when the muddy habitat of Telescopium telescopium became dry, the animal survived a long time without food.

Keywords: Telescopium telescopium , Feeding, Sundarbans

Location: Chunkuri Patrol Camp at Kadamtala station in Satkhira range under the division of west Sundarbans

Start Date: 00-01-2008

End Date: 00-12-2008

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Aquatic animal

Objectives:

To study the food and feeding habits of the snail in its unique habitat, the Sundarbans reserve forest area.

Methodology:

Determination of feeding periodicity of Telescopium telescopium was based on 24 hours period of fishing in each month, once at every 7 days interval according to lunar cycle; one in full or new moon and next in mid moon, during the period from January to December 2008. Each time, fishing was done at every 6 hours interval according to tidal cycle; one in high tide and another in low tide. Every time a group of 10 adult fresh snails was collected through careful handpicking method (Chunkuri Patrol Camp at Kadamtala station in Satkhira range under the division of west Sundarbans) for their stomach analysis. Just after collection, snails were preserved in 10% formalin. After being brought to the laboratory, the living adult specimens were removed from their shells by cracking them with hammer, tongs and stone piece carefully without damaging the soft tissues. A cut was made across the stomach. Only the volumes of stomach contents were examined with a large magnifying glass. Volume of stomach contents for each individual was recorded. Finally, mean values of feeding periodicity of each period in each month were calculated for seasonal representation.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Zool. 41(2): 233-239, 2013

Article Link (Online Journal): http://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJZ/article/view/23326/16029

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

It was observed that Telescopium telescopium can live 3 to 4 months without food like Terebralia palustris which lives in similar type of habitat, and is of the same size.

Knowledge Management: Journal