Indian Journal of Geo Marine Sciences Vol. 47 (03), March 2018, pp. 623-628

Authentication of Nassodonta insignis H. Adams, 1867 (: ) from the Kodungallur-Azhikode backwater, southwest coast of India using mitochondrial COI marker

Jayachandran P.R., S. Bijoy Nandan*, V.F. Sanu, M. Jima, P.R. Anu, N.D. Don Xavier, Philomina Joseph, A.M. Midhun & C.V. Asha

Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry,School of Marine Sciences, Lake Side Campus, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi – 682016, India

*[E-mail: [email protected]]

Received 09 November 2016 ; revised 09 December 2016

Present study identifies Nassodonta insignis from brackish water environments of Kodungallur – Azhikode backwater and confirms the occurrence of the species in these localities with molecular data. Mitochondrial DNA COI sequences (KT985460, KT985461, KT985462, KT985463, KT985464) with 663 base pair length were developed for N. insignis. GenBank BLAST analysis shows 89% similarity with Nassarius (Varicinassa) variciferus and 44% bootstrap value in the Maximum Likelihood tree analysis.

[Key words: Gastropoda; Nassariidae; Nassodonta; Cochin (Kochi) – Kodungallur – Azhikode backwaters; India]

Introduction Species of the family Nassariidae mainly live synonymised them as Nassodonta annesleyi15. It in sandy or muddy sediments and are widely was originally described by Benson in 1861 as distributed from the intertidal to the neritic zone Clea annesleyi, collected from “a tank between and even to deeper waters1-7. Exceptionally they the sea and the canal which communicates with live in brackish water; among them are three valid Cochin to the north of Quilon” in Kerala16. species in the Nassodonta (H. Adams, Nassodonta dorri from Vietnam, is the another 1867): Nassodonta annesleyi Benson, 1861, valid species in this genus. It was originally Nassodonta insignis H. Adams, 1867 and described in the genus Canidia as Canidia dorri Nassodonta dorri Wattebled, 1886. Present by Wattebled in 1886; Kantor and Kilburn17 diversity of the family Nassariidae stands at 420 allocated it to the family Nassariidae in the genus valid species, of which 85% are in the subfamily Nassodonta based on its shell morphology and Nassariinae5,8-10. The type locality of N. insignis is radula. The type locality of N. dorri is Kao-hai “Peiho river, China”. Smith11, Preston12 and Lagoon (near Hue, Vietnam). Lack of molecular Cernohorsky13 confirmed the occurrence of N. data makes it impossible for proper validation of insignis in Indian brackish waters. Cernohorsky13 the species in this genus. Present study confirms synonymised Nassodonta gravelyi as N.insignis14 the occurrence of N. insignis in Cochin (Kochi) – and recently Strong et al. again transferred and Kodungallur – Azhikode backwaters by 624 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 47, NO. 03, MARCH 2018 morphological and molecular methods and also for morphological studies were preserved in 4 % provides the molecular data on N. insignis. formaldehyde. Specimens were photographed as found then cleaned in a solution of detergent and

Materials and Methods photographed again (Fig.2A-D). Some specimens Cochin (Kochi) – Kodungallur – Azhikode were sent for species level confirmation of backwaters (CBW) (9°30' to 10°20' N and 76°13' Nassodonta insignis to Henk Dekker and Hugo to 76°50' E) lies at the northern arm of Vembanad Kool (both Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, backwater system and parallel to the coast The Netherlands). Type specimen was photo- between the Arabian Sea to the west and the graphed by Kevin Webb, NHMUK Photographic Western Ghats to the east in Peninsular India. It Unit. Preservative of the alcohol samples was has two openings to Arabian Sea, one at changed after 24 hours. The specimens are Munambam (Kodungallur-Azhikode estuary) and incorporated into the gastropod collection of another at Cochin (Cochin [Kochi] estuary). Department of Marine Biology Microbiology and Kodungallur – Azhikode backwater (10°11'– Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin 10°12'N and 76°10'–76°13'E) receives the University of Science and Technology (catalogue tributaries of Periyar river (that is Chalakkudy entry numbers MBM/SBN/JCPR/1- 5/2016). and Karuvannur river)18-20. Forty specimens were collected from Anapuzha – Kottapuram region Results and Discussion (Fig.1.) of Kodungallur – Azhikode backwater The samples are identified to species level monthly sampling for a period of two years according to Cernohorsky (1984). DNA (Julyn2009 - June 2011), for monthly study using extraction from tissue of individual specimens a van-Veen grab sampling from the research was done using the DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit vessel 'R.V. King Fisher'. (Qiagen) following the spin column protocol for purification of total DNA from tissues. DNA isolates were amplified using the protocol of Takara Clontech Emerald Amp® GT PCR Master Mix (Takara Bio, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan). The primer pair LCO–1490 (5′– GGTCAACAAATCATAAAGATATTGG–3′) and HCO–2198 (5′–TAAACTTCAGGGTGACC AAAAAATCA–3′) was used for amplifying mtCOI gene sequences21. Reaction mixture was composed of 25 μL PCR Master Mix, 1 μL LCO1490 (forward) primer, 1 μL HCO2198 (reverse) primer, 8 μL template DNA, and 15 μL dH20. Thermal regime comprised an initial denaturation for 5 minutes at 94 °C, followed by 40 cycles of 1 min each at 94 °C for denaturation, 2 min at 37 °C for annealing, and 3 min at 72 °C for extension, with a final extension at 72°C for 10 min. PCR products were visualized on 1.2 % agarose gel electrophoresis. Amplified products exhibiting intense bands after agarose gel electrophoresis were purified and sequenced at SciGenom Labs (SciGenom Labs Pvt, Ltd., Kochi, Kerala, India). Sequences were compiled using BioEdit 7.0.9 and alignment was performed

using ClustalX22,23. Phylogenetic analyses with a Fig. 1 - Map showing the location of the study area and site maximum likelihood tree and intraspecific (in blue spot) where Nassodonta insignis was collected for pairwise sequence distance were evaluated using molecular study 24 Kimura 2-parameter model of MEGA5 . Boot Specimens for molecular examination were strap analysis was performed using 1000 pseudo put in very hot water for a few minutes and then replications and aligned sequences were preserved in 100 % ethyl alcohol and specimens submitted to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) with accession numbers.

JAYACHANDRAN et al.: NASSODONTA INSIGNIS FROM KODUNGALLUR-AZHIKODE BACKWATER 625

backwaters near Ernakulam. Smith (1895) pointed out that the original locality indication of Nassodonta insignis was “Peiho river, China”, and stated that on the label accompanying the type is written “Peihoi, fresh water, Calvert, with genus Velorita”. Smith further pointed out that the genus Velorita (Villorita cyprinoides, Gray, 1825) occurs only on the west side of the Indian Peninsula, in the neighbourhood of Cochin, and in the estuary of the river Kundapur, (where it is largely eaten by natives), and that it has never been found in China, and that “Peihoi” could be some small village on the Malabar coast. The present study suggests that “Peiho river” may be “Periyar river”. the largest river in the south west coast of India that feeds Cochin (Kochi) backwater. The occurrence of N. insignis in India has been subsequently confirmed through the Fig.2A-C. Voucher specimen of Nassodonta insignis used to collection of specimens from Cochin (Kochi), and generate molecular data. 2D. Operculum of specimen. 2E-G. the description of N. gravelyi from Cochin and Nassodonta insignis H. Adams, 1866, lectotype registration number NHMUK 1878.1.28.428. Madras. The present study also confirms occurrence of N. insignis in Kodungallur- Systematics. Azhikode backwaters, brackish water aquaculture Family Nassariidae Iredale, 1916 ponds of Vypeen islands, Ezhupunna, South Subfamily Anentominae Strong, Galindo & Paravoor and adjoining brackish water Kantor, 2016 environments of Cochin (Kochi) - Kodungallur- Genus Nassodonta H. Adams, 1867 Azhikode backwater in company with black clam, Villorita cyprinoides. The occurrence of N. Nassodonta insignis H. Adams, 1867 insignis in China or the intervening areas between India and China, has never been established after Nassodonta insignis H. Adams, 1867: 445 Smith‟s statement25. Nassodonta insignis Cernohorsky 1984: 199; text figs. 156, 157; Description. Shell up to 12.0mm in length, ovate Nassarius insignis Kaicher1983, card 3491 and soild, some specimens broader than others, teleconch of only 3-3 ½ convex whorls, Type specimen. The lectotype of N. insignis (H. protoconch of 1 ½ embryonic whorls, partly Adams, 1867) is in the British Museum (Natural macroscopically axially striate; shell smooth History), London, No. 1878.1.28.428, length 10.0 except for very fine axial growth lines and a mm, width 6.6 mm. heavy, flattish spiral cord at base of body whorl. Aperture moderately narrow, outerlip thickened Type locality. Peiho river, China [error] but not strongly variced, interior with 4-5 denticles decreasing in size anteriorly. Columella Material examined. Nassodonta insignis H. concave and with a moderately broad and thick Adams (1867), lectotype, registration number callus, a strong fold at the anterior end and NHMUK 1878.1.28.428. Locality: „Peiho River, occasionally with another weak plication; China in company with Velorita‟. Specimen is siphonal notch deep and broad, parietal denticle part of the collection of Henry Adams. swollen, anal canal distinct. Color fawn to brown, last whorl decorated with a moderately broad, Habitat. The species has been collected in interrupted brown subsutural band and a broad muddysand and coarse sandy bottom at 0.5-4 m dark brown band on the posterior half. Aperture depth in brackish water environment. Salinity of white but occasionally stained with brown. Smith occurrence during the present study was 5-10 ppt. (1895) correctly transferred the species from the to the Nassariidae, based on the Distribution. Apparently confined to the southern presence of multicuspidate rachidian tooth of coasts of India inshallow, brackish water. radula. Operculum thick, roundish, exceptional Reported by Preston from Cochin (Kochi) for the family Nassariidae, two vertical teeth. 626 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 47, NO. 03, MARCH 2018

Molecular identification. A 663 base pair length intra-specific sequence divergence of 0% (Table of mitochondrial DNA COI sequences (n=5) were 1) which reflects and justifies the results inferred developed in respect of Nassodonta insignis and Nassodonta insignis |KT985460|, Nassodonta were devoid of any InDels and stop codons. The insignis |KT985461|, Nassodonta insignis developed mtCOI sequences were submitted to |KT985462|, Nassodonta insignis |KT985463|, the NCBI database with following accession Nassodonta insignis |KT985464|, Nassarius numbers KT985460, KT985461, KT985462, (Varicinassa) variciferus |GU393386|, Nassarius KT985463 and KT985464. Five other mtCOI martinezi5 |KC970046|, Nassarius radians5 sequences of Family Nassariidae were obtained |KC970058|, Nassarius velvetosus5 |KC970063|, for constructing phylogenetic tree (Maximum Clea (Anentome) helena26 |KU318329| and Likelihood). Maximum Likelihood tree developed Villorita cyprinoides |KP099608| from the ML in the present study forms two major clades. tree. This value was adequate to establish the Nassodonta insignis individuals were arranged in genetic identity of N. insignis sequences. In a single clade with high bootstrap value of 100%. addition, the level of interspecific divergence Nassarius (Varicinassa) variciferus (A. Adams, among other species supported its cladistic 1852) formed an adjacent clade. As expected, the differentiation in the Maximum Likelihood (ML) selected out group Villorita cyprinoides exhibited tree. GenBank BLAST analysis shows 89% a divergent array. In order to justify the results of similarity with Nassarius variciferus and 44% the phylogenetic tree, genetic distances persisting bootstrap value in the ML tree analysis. The within the selected individuals were analysed. molecular data on the other species in the genus, The level of inter- and intra-specific divergence N. dorri27 and N. annesleyi15 is very much persisting within the Family Nassariidae was required for comparative study of this genus and evident from the distance matrix data (Table 1). its phylogeny. Specifically, Nassodonta insignis possessed an

Nassodonta insignis (KT985462) Nassodonta insignis (KT985463) Nassodonta insignis (KT985461) Nassodonta insignis (KT985460) Nassodonta insignis (KT985464) Nassarius (Varicinassa) variciferus (GU393386) Nassarius velvetosus (KC970063) Nassarius martinezi (KC970046) Nassarius radians (KC970058) Clea (Anentome) helena (KU318329) Villorita cyprinoides (KP099608)

0.1 Fig.3. Maximum likelihood tree for Nassodonta insignis based on 1000 bootstrap pseudoreplicas

Table 1. Distance matrix for inter and intraspecific percentage divergence of selected species

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 Nassarius martinezi |KC970046| 2 Nassarius radians |KC970058| 7.3 3 Nassarius velvetosus |KC970063| 6.73 6.59 4 Anentome helena |KU318329| 16.7 15.5 15.2 5 Nassodonta insignis |KT985460| 13.5 13.9 12.6 15.5 6 Nassodonta insignis |KT985461| 13.5 13.9 12.6 15.5 0 7 Nassodonta insignis |KT985462| 13.5 13.9 12.6 15.5 0 0 8 Nassodonta insignis |KT985463| 13.5 13.9 12.6 15.5 0 0 0 9 Nassodonta insignis |KT985464| 13.5 13.9 12.6 15.5 0 0 0 0 10 Nassarius variciferus |GU393386| 13.1 12.9 11.4 15.9 12.7 12.7 12.7 12.7 12.7 11 Villorita cyprinoides |KP099608| 124 115 119 124 131 131 131 131 131 120 JAYACHANDRAN et al.: NASSODONTA INSIGNIS FROM KODUNGALLUR-AZHIKODE BACKWATER 627

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