The Distribution Pattern of Marine Bivalve Death Assemblage From the Western Margin of Bay of Bengal and Its Oceanographic Determinants

The global pattern of shallow marine biodiversity is constructed primarily using the data from extra-tropical sites. A severe knowledge gap in benthic diversity exists for tropical Indian Ocean, especially along coastline peninsular India. Latitudinal gradient (LBG)—a poleward decrease diversity, even though accepted as a pervasive pattern, often differs regional trends. Although several oceanographic variables are known to influence patterns, their relative effect shaping community seas remains unclear. east coast India bordering Bay Bengal (BoB) presents 2,500 km stretch (8–22°N) with spatial variation parameters including freshwater mixing, primary productivity, temperature, and shelf area. Here, we documented bivalve distribution spatially-temporally averaged beach samples evaluated relationship variables. Our reveal existence highly diverse fauna, comparable other Overall species composition reflects typical assemblage dominated by Veneridae but shows an uncharacteristically low proportion Tellinidae Lucinidae. latitudinal mid-latitude drop at around 14°N—a inconsistent prediction (LBG). functional groups infauna (65%), unattached (69%), suspension feeders (87%). There only slight difference between southern northern sites pointing predominantly continuous circulation considerable mixing within BoB. Productivity range, area, salinity emerge best predictors richness. All environmental together explain across bins satisfactorily. no distinct nature comparison Indo-Malayan hotspot; proximity this hotspot biological exchange it may have contributed high fauna. study highlights complex interplay multiple determining benthos scale generating patterns that odds trends such LBG.