Human uses and conservation measures Laevistrombus canarium

structural diagram of tributyltin (tbt) compound. organic tin compounds such tbt can cause imposex in gastropods.

the english common name of l. canarium dog conch ; in malay peninsula, species known malay common names siput gonggong , gong-gong; siput means snail , , gonggong onomatopoetic word dog s bark or howl. flesh of dog conch edible. staple food locals living along seashore, , fished in many parts of southeast asia. despite ornamental value, l. canarium shells traditionally used local fishermen sinkers fishing nets. studies 2008 2009 indicate l. canarium has been overexploited , overfished in many areas; malacologists , ecologists have recommended reducing exploitation rates maintain availability natural resource. finding large dog-conch individuals has become increasingly difficult task in several regions species occurs. initiatives in southern thailand province of phuket intend increase depleted natural stocks of l. canarium reintroducing cultured animals in local seagrass beds. fishermen encouraged not collect younger, smaller individuals have not yet reproduced.

imposex has been detected in laevistrombus canarium. imposex development of male sex organs in female animals exposed man-made organic tin compounds, such tributyltin (tbt). has negative consequences several species of sea snails, ranging sterility in individuals extinction of entire populations. tin compounds biocidal anti-fouling agents mixed paints prevent marine encrustations on boats , ships. high concentrations of these compounds commonly present in seawater near shipyards , docking areas, exposing nearby marine life harmful effects. in 2011 paper, cob , colleagues found imposex rates high in dog conch populations near malaysian ports; however, researchers not detect cases of sterility in affected females. authors concluded females of l. canarium develop penis when seawater contains organotin compounds, phenomenon not cause sterility in species. ability of dog conch survive despite imposex makes species suitable local bioindicator organotin pollution.