Afropomus balanoideus explained

Afropomus balanoidea is a species of freshwater snail, an aquatic gastropod mollusk in the family Ampullariidae, the apple snails and their allies.

Afropomus balanoideus is the only species in the genus Afropomus.[1] Afropomus is the type genus of the subfamily Afropominae.

Based on the anatomy, mainly that of the reproductive system, Afropomus appears to be a primitive genus within the Ampullariidae.[1] This basal position of Afropomus within Ampullariidae has also been confirmed by molecular phylogeny.[2]

Subspecies

Subspecies of Afropomus balanoideus include:

Distribution

The distribution of Afropomus balanoideus includes:

The type locality is Cape Mount in Liberia.[1]

Its presence in Ghana is uncertain.

Description

The shape of the shell is ovate.[1]

The width of the shell is 20 mm.[1] The height of the shell is 22–23 mm.[1] [3]

Ecology

Afropomus balanoideus lives in clean water in ditches, creeks and small rivers.[1] It requires a high concentration of oxygen.

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Brown D. S. (1994). Freshwater Snails of Africa and their Medical Importance. Taylor & Francis. .
  2. Jørgensen A., Kristensen T. K. & Madsen H. (2008). "A molecular phylogeny of apple snails (Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae) with an emphasis on African species". Zoologica Scripta 37(3): 245-252. .
  3. [Pierre Marie Arthur Morelet|Morelet A.]