Community structure of bivalve mollusc in seagrass meadows in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR), Nueva Valencia, Guimaras

Abstract

This study gives updated insights on bivalves composition and biomass structure. It characterized the community structure of Class Bivalvia in four seagrass sites in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR), Guimaras. Bivalves species composition, diversity, abundance, density and mortality index were determined as well as seagrass cover and environmental factors. The Arcidae family was the most abundant among the live familes. Anadara inaequivalvis was the most widespread and numerous species in all sites. This species also recorded the highest density of 20 indiv/ 100m2 while Decatopecten radula, Pinctata sp., Lima sp., Fulvia subquadrata, Tellin modesta, Atrina pectina, Spondylus versicolor, Isognomon isognomum and Paphia undulata all got the lowest density of 1.41 indiv/ 100m2 Among all sites, Piagau had the highest biomass and the most number of individuals. There is positive correlation between species abundance and seagrass cover along with sediment type indicating that habitat structure is important in shaping the community structure of bivalves.