Occurrence of chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) in estuaries: first records in Brazil

Abstract

Chitons are molluscs with scarce world records in estuaries. In the present study, we provide the first records of two species of Polyplacophora in the Coreaú River estuary, Camocim, Ceará, Brazil: Ischnochiton striolatus and Ischnoplax pectinata. The data shows these animals thrive in estuary coastal regions. The taxonomic data together with the ecological data presented in this study, it is possible to conclude that this research represents a significant milestone in understanding the biodiversity of Brazilian estuarine areas.

Keywords

• Chitonida
• mangrove
• northeastern Brazil
• semi-ari