Madagasikara (gastropod)

Madagasikara spinosa Lamarck, 1822

Madagasikara is a genus of tropical freshwater snails from the family of Pachychilidae.

Features

Madagasikara species have relatively large and high- towered shells usually and often have a pronounced sculpture made of either spiral or axial elements. Especially characteristic is the presence of a breathing channel on the lower inside of the shell opening. Like all representatives of Pachychilidae have the species of an oval, multi spirales and nearly concentric operculum. Most species are oviparous, but is also at least one species, M. vivipara, ovoviviparous. Females of this species hold eggs and developing young animals back into the mantle cavity.

Taxonomy

The name of the genus is derived from the Malagasy word for Madagascar. In previous works species of this group were assigned to other genera, such as Melania, Pirena or particular Melanatria. However, these names are of taxonomic reasons not available for this Malagasy snails.

Dissemination

Madagasikara is endemic to Madagascar and occurs throughout the island, except in the extreme, quite dry south, mainly in fast flowing, oxygen-rich streams.

Species

Currently six species are described:

  • Madagasikara johnsoni (E. A. Smith, 1882)
  • Madagasikara madagascariensis ( Grateloup, 1840)
  • Madagasikara spinosa ( Lamarck, 1822) - type species, synonym: Melanatria fluminea
  • Madagasikara Vazimba Köhler & Glaubrecht, 2010
  • Madagasikara vivipara Köhler & Glaubrecht, 2010
  • Madagasikara zazavavindrano Köhler & Glaubrecht, 2010
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck Caenogastropoda Sorbeoconcha Operculum (gastropod) Oviparity
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