First record of the trumpet snail Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda: Thiaridae), in culture ponds for shrimp and the Pacific fat sleeper fish

Abstract

The invasive species Melanoides tuberculata was detected in culture ponds for shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) and the Pacific fat sleeper fish (Dormitator latifrons) in Manabí, Ecuador, through morphological and molecular identification using the COI gene. This finding confirms the presence of the Malayan snail in the Amazon-Andes ecoregion, evidencing its wide distribution in South America and its genetic relationship with populations from Iran and the United States, suggesting a recent invasion event in the continent. This is the first report of the species in culture ponds of the shrimp P. vannamei and fish D. latifrons, representing a new habitat and a potential negative factor for aquaculture activities. It is necessary to expand sampling efforts to other regions and conduct genetic analyses to identify lineages with a higher potential for transmitting parasitic infections. This information is crucial for developing early warning systems and effective management strategies. Further studies are needed to assess the potential risks of M. tuberculata in aquaculture systems, such as its ability to transmit parasites to farmed organisms and its possible impacts on human health.