What do we know about Cassis tuberosa (Mollusca: Cassidae), a heavily exploited marine gastropod?

Authors

Keywords:

Brazil, Predatory gastropod, Marine curio trade, Species conservation, Shell trade

Abstract

Cassis tuberosa is a key species in reefs and sandy beaches, where it plays an essential role as a predator of echinoderms (sea urchins and sand dollars). Due to the beauty of its shell, it is one of the most exploited species for trade as marine souvenirs throughout its distribution in the Western Atlantic. Despite its ecological importance, there is little available information about population and biological data or the impacts of its removal from its natural habitats. Considering the economic and ecological importance of this species, this study provides a short review of existing studies and highlights research and conservation needs for this highly exploited marine gastropod.

Author Biographies

Thelma Lúcia Pereira Dias, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Departamento de Biologia, Ecologia e Zoologia Marinha

Ellori Laíse Silva Mota, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Área Zoologia

Rafaela Cristina de Souza Duarte, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Área Zoologia

Rômulo Romeu da Nóbrega Alves, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Departamento de Biologia, Área Etnobiologia e Conservação

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Published

08/27/2017

How to Cite

Dias, T. L. P., Mota, E. L. S., Duarte, R. C. de S., & Alves, R. R. da N. (2017). What do we know about Cassis tuberosa (Mollusca: Cassidae), a heavily exploited marine gastropod?. Ethnobiology and Conservation, 6. Retrieved from http://www.ethnobioconservation.com/index.php/ebc/article/view/134

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Short Review

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