Opisthobranch (Mollusca: Gastropoda) Fauna of Rocky Reef Ecosystems of Kerala Coast, India

Abstract

Opisthobranchs are the one of the least studied marine taxonomic group in Kerala. The present study was carried out to explore the opisthobranch diversity of rocky reefs of Kerala. And the study able to record the 13 species of sea slugs belongs to 3 Order 8 Families and 10 Genera. Out of 13 species recorded in the study, 8 species identified as new to Kerala coast. Among the 3 Orders recorded in the study Nudibranchia was noted with highest species contribution of 10 species and among the 8 families, the Dentrodoridae with maximum of 3 species.