| Gastropod molluscs are represented by chank, top shells, turbo shell and a variety of ornamental species contribute to the marine fisheries . The present investigation is an attempt to assess the diversity of gastropods and their utilization in Tuticorin coast. In the present study 37 species of gastropods belong to 21 families, including 12 edible species were recorded. The gastropods species Xancus pyrum, Babylonia spirata, Babylonia zeylanica, Chicoreus ramosus, Chicoreus virgineus, Lambis lambis, Lambis truncata and Cypraea tigris were recorded as the most abundant species. After extraction of the muscle for food the chank shells are cleaned and marketed and form the basis for the shell craft articles. |