The distribution and diversity of dinoflagellate cysts in sediments of Gwatar Bay (Northeast Gulf of Oman)

Most dinoflagellate produce resting cysts during their sexual lifecycle as well as under unfavorable environmental conditions and from water column settle in the sediments substratum. The evaluation of diversity and distribution of dinoflagellate cysts is very important in environmental studies, because cysts act as seed in sea bed that can cause red tide with excystment. This study was performed to determine the diversity and distribution of dinoflagellate cysts in the sediments of Gwatar Bay in 2013 by sediments sampling from five stations. Sediment sampling was made by Ekman grab with covering area of 0.225 square meters with three replicates at each station in two seasons before and after the monsoon. In total of sampling 16 samples in species levels belonging to 9 genera of dinoflagellate cysts were identified. The highest and lowest abundances are related to the genus Protoperidinium (52%) and the genus Zygabikodinium (1%), respectively. The results showed the average dinoflagellate cysts diversity from 2.22 before monsoon have decreased to 2.06 after monsoon

Short communication: The first report of Amphipholis squamata (Delle Chiaje, 1829) (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) from Chabahar Bay – northern Oman Sea

Amphipholis squamata is an important Ophiuroid species belonging to the family Amphiuridae which is widely used in biotechnological and molecular studies. It is a cosmopolitan species and capable to inhabit a wide variety of habitats except the polar regions, from subtidal zone to the depth of 2000 meters. ... In the present study, Amphipholis squamata was reported for the first time from the subtidal zone of Chabahar Bay in northern part of the Oman Sea. This paper also provides information about the taxonomy and morphology of this group of aquatic taxa dwelling in the marine waters of the Iranian coasts of Chabahar Bay and the Oman Sea

Identification of two Ophiuroidea species in intertidal zone of Chabahar bay along Oman Sea coast

Among the echinoderms, the Ophiuroidea comprise the most diverse class with more than 2,000 species. They occur in nearly any marine habitat, ranging from the poles to the equator and are distributed from the tidal zone down to several thousand meters of depths. Often, their similar morphology makes their species identification difficult. The present study was conducted in order to identify and evaluate the species-spectra of ophiuroids in the Chabahar Bay. Samples were collected from the intertidal zone of Tis port in the west of Chabahar in October 2013, where coarse sediments and pebbles dominate. The samples were examined in the laboratory based on several factors including dorsal and ventral disc and arms. Two representatives of the family Ophiothrichidae were identified: Ophiothrix savgnyi and Macrophiothrix elongata

Monthly variations of total lipids content and some biological parameters of rock oyster (Saccostrea cucullata) in the Northern coasts of the Gulf of Oman

465-472The present study was conducted to assess the monthly variations of total lipids content and some biological parameters of rock oyster in the Northern coasts of the Gulf of Oman (Iranian coast) from October 2017 until March 2018 in relation to environmental conditions. According to the results, the maximum and minimum lengths were recorded in December and February, respectively. The highest amounts of weight, dry and wet weight, and condition index were recorded in autumn. There was also a significant difference between the months and the regions for these parameters (p < 0.05). The highest amount of total lipids was observed in March (3.1±1.84) with a significant difference relative to October and November and the lowest amount one was observed in October (2.15±1.6). Also, there was a significant relationship between the total lipids and the temperature. Moreover, there were higher amounts of total lipids in Saccostrea cucullata in winter compared to those in autumn. In general, one of the reasons for the differences in length, weight and total lipids at different stations over different months can mainly be explained by the reproduction season, nutritional conditions, and environmental factors such as temperature and salinity

Monthly variations of total lipids content and some biological parameters of rock oyster (Saccostrea cucullata) in the Northern coasts of the Gulf of Oman

The present study was conducted to assess the monthly variations of total lipids content and some biological parameters of rock oyster in the Northern coasts of the Gulf of Oman (Iranian coast) from October 2017 until March 2018 in relation to environmental conditions. According to the results, the maximum and minimum lengths were recorded in December and February, respectively. The highest amounts of weight, dry and wet weight, and condition index were recorded in autumn. There was also a significant difference between the months and the regions for these parameters (p &lt; 0.05). The highest amount of total lipids was observed in March (3.1±1.84) with a significant difference relative to October and November and the lowest amount one was observed in October (2.15±1.6). Also, there was a significant relationship between the total lipids and the temperature. Moreover, there were higher amounts of total lipids in Saccostrea cucullata in winter compared to those in autumn. In general, one of the reasons for the differences in length, weight and total lipids at different stations over different months can mainly be explained by the reproduction season, nutritional conditions, and environmental factors such as temperature and salinity.

Studies on the bivalve diversity of the Chahbahar Bay (north eastern Sea of Oman)

243-246Population density and the diversity of bivalve mollusc in Chahbahar Bay were studied at 12 stations through two cruises during May (premonsoon) and July (monsoon) 1995. Eight families of bivalve were identified in the area, surveyed. The indices of richness, evenness and diversity were estimated in samples of each cruises and the results compared with the physico-chemical changes in water, such as salinity, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen at different depths. Diversity of bivalves was found to be higher in July than in May. It seems that the population density and diversity of bivalves in the Bay of Chahbahar are influenced by environmental changes caused by the southwest monsoon