First Record of Melanopsis buccinoidea (Olivier, 1801) (Gastropoda: Melanopsidae)from Al-Gharraf River, Southern Iraq

Abstract

Along Al-Gharraf River, freshwater snail Melanopsis buccinoidea (Olivier, 1801) samples were collected.  The collected sites located within the districts of (Al-Nasr, Al-Rifa'i, Qalat Sukkar, and Al-Fajr), Dhi Qar governorate, southern Iraq, The collection period was from July to September 2025. The specimens were identified by the shape of the snail’s shell as well as the morphometric features. The shells are elongated-conical, its surface is smooth, shell’s colour is chestnut to dark-brown in, dextrally coiled, with an oval aperture and a prominent operculum. Shell height and width, aperture height and width supported the species identification. This research represents the first record of M. buccinoidea in Al-Gharraf River area, expanding the known zone of the species in Iraq. The findings enhance understanding of freshwater gastropod diversity in Iraq and serve as a baseline for future taxonomic, ecological, and molecular research.