Bithynia siamensis

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Bithynia siamensis
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Order:
Family:	Bithyniidae

Bithynia siamensis is a species of small freshwater snail with an operculum, an aquatic gastropod mollusk in the family Bithyniidae. This species is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Description

Bithynia siamensis is characterized by its small, conical shell, which is typically brown or greenish in color. The shell has a smooth surface with fine growth lines and can reach a height of about 10-15 mm. The operculum is calcareous and fits tightly into the aperture of the shell, providing protection against predators and desiccation.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. It inhabits a variety of freshwater environments, from slow-moving rivers to stagnant ponds.

Ecology

Bithynia siamensis plays an important role in the aquatic ecosystem. It is a grazer, feeding on algae and detritus on submerged surfaces. This feeding behavior helps control algal growth and contributes to the nutrient cycling within its habitat.

Human Relevance

Bithynia siamensis is of medical importance as it serves as an intermediate host for the liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, which causes opisthorchiasis in humans. This parasitic disease is prevalent in regions where the snail is found, particularly in northeastern Thailand and Laos, where raw or undercooked fish, which harbor the metacercariae of the fluke, are consumed.

Conservation

While Bithynia siamensis is not currently considered endangered, its populations can be affected by habitat destruction, pollution, and changes in water quality. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems to support the biodiversity of species like Bithynia siamensis.

Also see

• Gastropoda
• Bithyniidae
• Opisthorchis viverrini
• Freshwater snail
• Parasitic diseases

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