Oligohalinophila dorri
A brackish nassariid snail rediscovered after more than a century.
Oligohalinophila dorri is a brackish-water snail that breathes using gills and has a protective operculum. It belongs to the family Nassariidae, commonly known as nassa mud snails or dog whelks. Originally described in 1886 as *Canidia dorri* by Gustave-Édouard Joseph Wattebled, the species was named after Captain Émile Dorr, who collected the first specimens from what is now central Vietnam. Two syntypes are kept at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris.
After its initial description, the species went unreported for over a century. In 2001, Kantor and Kilburn rediscovered it, providing details on its shell, radula, and preliminary anatomy from a single poorly preserved female. They moved it to the genus *Nassodonta* within Nassariidae, which at the time contained only *Nassodonta insignis*. In 2007, Simone described the external anatomy, proboscis musculature, and radula using semi-mummified specimens. Later, Strong and colleagues placed it into the newly created subfamily Anentominae based on anatomical and molecular phylogenetic analysis. In 2019, Neiber and Glaubrecht reassigned it to a new genus, *Oligohalinophila*, within the same subfamily.
The snail is found in Vietnam, including the lagoon of Kao-hai near Huế in Thừa Thiên-Huế Province, the Phan Ri River in Bình Thuận Province, and has been reported as abundant near Nha Trang in Khánh Hòa Province and Phan Rang–Tháp Chàm in Ninh Thuận Province. Its type locality is the lagoon of Kao-hai near Huế.
The shell is thick and oblong-ovate, with 2.25 distinctly shouldered whorls. The spire is low and obtuse, and the body whorl is subcylindrical. Shell width ranges from 8.0 to 9.6 mm, and length from 12.0 to 14.9 mm. The operculum is thin, elongate, and oval with a basal nucleus, measuring 5.7 mm in length. The head is small and broad, with very short, thick cephalic tentacles. Eyes sit on slightly elevated ocular peduncles at the outer bases of the tentacles. The foot is broad and fleshy, overlapping the sides of the operculum in preserved specimens. The propodium is narrow, with its posterior edge marked by an indistinct notch and poorly separated from the mesopodium. A shallow propodial pedal gland runs along the front edge, containing two histologically distinct types of subepithelial gland cells. The metapodium lacks posterior tentacles.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Oligohalinophila
- Species
- dorri
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Oligohalinophila dorri was first described as Canidia dorri by Gustave-Éduard Joseph Wattebled in 1886, based on specimens collected by Captain Émile Dorr in the North Central Coast region of what is now Vietnam. Two syntypes are stored in the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. The species was not reported again until 2001, when Kantor & Kilburn reported its rediscovery as Nassodonta dorri, providing descriptions of the shell and radula and preliminary anatomical observations from a single poorly preserved female. They moved the species to the genus Nassodonta within Nassariidae, which previously contained only Nassodonta insignis.
Subsequently, Simone (2007) described the external anatomy, proboscis musculature and radula based on semi-mummified specimens. Strong et al. provided anatomical and molecular phylogenetic analysis and placed it into the newly established subfamily Anentominae, confirming its placement within Nassariidae. In 2019, Neiber & Glaubrecht moved the species to a new genus, Oligohalinophila, within the subfamily Anentominae.
The shell is thick, oblong-ovate, with 2.25 distinctly shouldered whorls, a low and obtuse spire, and a subcylindrical body whorl. The operculum is thin, elongate, oval with a basal nucleus. The head is small and broad with very short, thick cephalic tentacles; eyes are slightly elevated on prominent ocular peduncles at the outer bases of the tentacles. The foot is broad and fleshy, with a narrow propodium and a shallow propodial pedal gland. The mantle cavity is short and slightly asymmetrical. The species is dioecious, with females having an ovipositor forming a deep, simple pore.
Reader's Guide
Oligohalinophila dorri holds significance as a species that was lost to science for over a century before its rediscovery, illustrating the challenges of documenting biodiversity in brackish habitats. Its taxonomic journey—from Canidia to Nassodonta to the newly erected genus Oligohalinophila—reflects ongoing refinement in understanding nassariid relationships, supported by both anatomical and molecular phylogenetics. The species is restricted to lower parts of rivers in Vietnam, including the type locality at lagune de Kao-hai near Huế, and has been reported as abundant at Nha Trang and Phan Rang–Tháp Chàm. It lives in turbid brackish waters at depths of about 3 m and can withstand a wide range of salinities, indicating ecological adaptability. Its legacy lies in contributing to the systematic framework of the subfamily Anentominae and in highlighting the value of historical type specimens and modern re-collection efforts.
Did You Know?
- It was not reported again until 2001, when it was rediscovered and moved to the genus Nassodonta.
- The specific name dorri honors Captain Émile Dorr, who collected the type specimens in Vietnam.
- Oligohalinophila dorri can withstand a wide range of salinities in turbid brackish waters.
More in Marine Snails: Ceriths, Nassas and Conchs 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced