A Validated Catalogue on the Diversity of Chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) from the Indian Coast

Chitons are one of the least studied marine faunae from the Indian coast. The diversity of chitons recorded from the Indian coast has been assessed based on literature survey, museum specimens at Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and field survey. Our observation listed 25 species belonging to 17 genera, under nine families and two orders. Out of the 25 species validated, 18 were listed from field surveys and museum records while the remaining seven species did not have any physical verification of museum records and the data were only available in literature. The lack of taxonomic descriptions, information on diversity and distribution of chitons are the major drawbacks in chiton research from the Indian coast. Species diversity was high in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Gulf of Mannar (15 and 10 species respectively), which incidentally can be related to the large number of studies conducted in these areas compared to other regions along the coast. To validate available species, the use of scanning electron microscopy and molecular analysis is essential for better understanding the understudied groups. Results of the present study and the studies from the neighbouring coasts suggest that a detailed survey is inevitable for recording these elusive groups for understanding their diversity in the Indian Ocean region.

Automated summary

Chiton research from the Indian coast is limited, with lack of taxonomic descriptions, information on species diversity and distribution. Chiton species diversity is high in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Gulf of Mannar, indicating the need for further research and validation.