First confirmed report of Nassarius sinarum (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in Korea

Sungha Cho; Inho Yang; Jong Seong Khim; Jinsoon Park

doi:10.3897/BDJ.11.e99661

First confirmed report of Nassarius sinarum (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in Korea

Biodivers Data J. 2023 Jun 17:11:e99661. doi: 10.3897/BDJ.11.e99661. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Sungha Cho^{1

2}, Inho Yang¹, Jong Seong Khim³, Jinsoon Park¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, South Korea Department of Convergence Study on the Ocean Science and Technology, Korea Maritime and Ocean University Busan South Korea.
² Department of Oceanographic Survey, Geosystem Research Corp., Gunpo, South Korea Department of Oceanographic Survey, Geosystem Research Corp. Gunpo South Korea.
³ School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University Seoul South Korea.

Abstract

Background: The marine gastropod mollusc Nassarius sinarum has attracted attention due to its status as a potential invasive species and the ecological impact it may have on local environments and the fishing industry. It was observed exclusively within China initially, but its distribution now seems to have expanded into Japan and Korea. Accurate identification of N. sinarum, particularly in its juvenile stage, is vital for understanding its ecological influences and distribution patterns.

New information: This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of N. sinarum samples from Korea. It includes morphological examination, scanning electron microscopy images and molecular sequencing. Two live specimens were collected from the Yeongsan River estuary in Korea and their morphological features were analysed and compared to those of samples from China and Japan. The samples' species were confirmed by molecular identification, based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and histone H3 (H3) genetic markers.It was observed that juvenile N. sinarum shells lack key species-characteristic morphological traits, such as a thick outer lip and diminishing axial ribs. However, COI marker-based molecular identification affirmed that these Korean specimens were N. sinarum. The H3 region was registered with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) for the first time. Phylogenetic analysis of the H3 region did not resolve species distinctions within the Nassarius, suggesting that the H3 marker is not suitable for species identification within this genus. In this context, multiple genetic markers, when used appropriately, can also be applied to genus-level searches, enhancing species identification accuracy and reducing misidentification.The sequences provided in this study can serve as a valuable reference for future DNA barcoding research. Additional samples and surveys should be conducted through collaborative efforts amongst national and institutional organisations to further clarify the ecological status of N. sinarum and to investigate its distribution and potential impact around East Asia. Finally, a new Korean name, (No-lan-jul-job-ssal-mu-nui-go-dung; 노란줄좁쌀무늬고둥) has been proposed for N. sinarum.

Keywords: COI; DNA barcoding; Gastropoda; H3; estuary; scanning electron microscope.

Sungha Cho, Inho Yang, Jong Seong Khim, Jinsoon Park.