The fingernail clams (Bivalvia: Veneroida: Sphaeriidae) of Morocco: Diversity, distribution and conservation status

• DOI: 10.3897/bdj.9.e73346
• Publication Date: 2021-12-02T10:00:23Z
• Authors: Hanane Rassam; Mohamed Ghamizi; Hassan Benaissa; Catharina Clewing; Christian Albrecht
• Keywords: Data deficient

In Morocco, many uncertainties surround the current diversity and distribution of bivalve family Sphaeriidae. Such information, including taxonomy conservation status, are vital for further studies to improve knowledge this in Morocco represents first step towards development a national plan all freshwater bivalves.Between 2016 2019, several investigations were carried out assess Sphaeriidae different basins covering types habitat (lakes, springs, rivers small ponds). The identification specimens their morpho-ecological features was based on morphological morphometric analyses. data general collected species allowed evaluation status as well.The shell morphology analyses revealed existence five belonging genus Pisidium [P.casertanum (Poli, 1791), P. (cf.) personatum Malm, 1855, P.subtruncatum P.amnicum (O. F. Müller, 1774) sp.] one Musculium [M.lacustre 1774)]. found Moroccan basins, except Bouregreg Sakia El Hamra-Oued Eddahab Basins. results showed that Sebou Basin richest with occurrence species, while Loukkos Sous-Massa Basins had lowest-species richness only. sphaeriids evaluated time resulted being proposed Least Concern Vulnerable, respectively, Regionally Extinct is suggested both M.lacustre.First an assignment updated recorded species.