Depositional environment of the Bagh-e-Vang Formation – the only occurrence of upper Lower Permian in Iran

A transgression of the Tethys Ocean occurred in east central Iran, like in other areas of the Tethys Ocean, around the Yakhtashian/Bolorian (regional chronostratigraphical units corresponding with the Artinskian/Kungurian of the Early Permian) transition. This led to the development of a carbonate platform that is represented in the Shirgesht area on the northern part of the Tabas Block by the Bagh-e-Vang Formation, which constitutes the only known sedimentary unit from the late Early Permian in Iran. Field data and thin-section analysis indicate deposition on a carbonate ramp with barriers separating a lagoonal area with intertidal mud flats from the open-marine environment. The overall transgressive development is indicated by the presence of open-marine sediments on top of the barrier and lagoonal sediments.

Characteristics of Von Bertalanfy Growth, Allometric, Condition Index And Mortality of Periophthalmus barbarus in Mangrove and Probiotics Conservation Area (KKMB), Tarakan, North Kalimantan

The Mudskipper (P. barbarus) lives in intertidal mud flats and it becomes an indicator of water quality. The transformation of construction and water pollution in this area is important to investigate due to interaction of fishery industry, home residence, and market area surrounding areas. The aim of this research was to analyze the characteristic of Von Bertalanffy growth, allometric, condition index, and mortality of the P. barbarus in KKMB, Tarakan city. The research was designed by using descriptive quantitative method. The sampling process used purposive sampling. The sampling was conducted for 12 times plot.transect-1 in the extension area of KKMB, Tarakan city with a total area is 12 Ha, plot.transect-1area is 10x10 m2, and distance between each transect is 10 m2. Sampling was carried out in survey area and laboratory to identify the gender and calculate total length and weight. The result showed the growth of male mudskipper (L∞ = 26.545 cm) and female (L∞ = 17.594 cm). Their size and the total population was decreased. The characteristic of male mudskipper growth was positive allometric, then female was negative allometric. The natural mortality and the catch of male mudskipper were higher than female.

A New Cowrie from the Estuaries of Northwestern Australia

A new species of cowrie in the genus Erronea (Ipserronea) is described from the muddy coastal estuaries of King Sound, Western Australia, at the mouth of the Fitzroy River. The new cowrie, here named Erronea (Ipserronea) garyi n. sp., is the smallest-known member of its subgenus and inhabits oyster and Pinna beds on intertidal mud flats adjacent to mangrove jungles and river inlets. This new mudflat-dwelling dwarf cowrie is the fifth-known species in the subgenus Ipserronea

Shorebirds, mud snails, and Corophium volutator in the upper Bay of Fundy, Canada: predicting bird activity on intertidal mud flats

The upper Bay of Fundy is a critical staging area for migrating semipalmated sandpipers (Calidris pusilla), which feed extensively on the amphipod Corophium volutator. Recent changes in the distributions of birds around the bay have generated interest in understanding the factors that influence shorebirds' habitat use. To examine some of these factors, we surveyed four mud flats during summer 2000. Abundance of shorebirds and density of C. volutator and mud snails (Ilyanassa obsoleta) were assessed in two focused areas and on two broad-scale transects per mud flat. Shorebird abundance varied widely across sites, and was positively correlated with C. volutator availability, though the relationship had little predictive ability. A strong negative relationship was identified between shorebirds and mud snails counted before birds arrived, especially in the focused areas. This relationship probably stems from a negative effect of mud snails on C. volutator. Snails present in July may reduce recruitment of C. volutator, and therefore reduce the prey base for shorebirds arriving later in the summer. By considering mud snail abundance, we have identified a simple and effective method of predicting shorebird habitat use several weeks before birds arrive. This will enhance our ability to study these birds in future, and will contribute to our understanding of shorebird habitat use and movements and the importance of conserving particular mud flats.