Present study on mollusks of Rushikulya estuary deals with 2 main groups such as class
Gastropoda and class Bivalvia. In total 25 species of mollusks were encountered during this
study. Gastropods contributed 16 species, while Bivalvia contributed 8 species. From table 3.1, it
is confirmed that most of the mollusks are marine in nature and only a few forms were estuarine.
However, Cerithidea cingulata and Telescopium telescopium were commonly found in the
estuary.
Out of 25 species encountered, 12 species have already been described by Rama Rao et.
al. (1992) and 11 species by Pati (2005) from Rushikulya estuary. However, Olivancillaria
gibbosa, Bullia vittata, Clithon oualaniensis and Conus inscriptus were reported for the first time
from Rushikulya estuary.
Most of the gastropods in the estuary are carnivores while some are detritus feeders. But
almost all species of bivalves are detritus feeders. From the abundance of mollusks it can be
concluded that they constitute an important component in the food web of Rushikulya estuarine
ecosystem.