The First Record of Elysia Species from the Mangrove Ecosystem of the Kamphuan Canal, Ranong Province, Thailand
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Abstract
One of the most fascinating organisms inhabiting mangrove ecosystems is the sacoglossan sea slug of the genus Elysia. Although Elysia species are globally distributed, their diversity and distribution within mangrove ecosystems, particularly in Thailand, remain understudied. This study reports the first recorded occurrence of E. bangtawaensis and E. leucolegnote in the Kamphuan mangrove forest, Ranong Province, Thailand. Both species were found inhabiting small tide pools and footprints in areas where gaps in the mangrove canopy allowed light gap to reach the forest floor. The specimens showed comparable size ranges to those reported in previous studies, which have documented their distribution in Thailand, including the Gulf of Thailand (Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Pattani) and the Andaman Sea (Phang Nga, Krabi, and Trang). However, no previous records have been reported from Ranong Province. Organic matter contents were analyzed in areas with and without the presence of these species. Significantly higher organic matter levels were observed in habitats where Elysia species were found (p < 0.05), suggesting a positive correlation between habitat quality and species occurrence. The presence of Elysia in this mangrove ecosystem indicates that the Kamphuan mangrove forest provides favorable environmental conditions for Elysia species. This study represents the first record of E. bangtawaensis and E. leucolegnote in Ranong Province, expanding the known distribution range of the genus Elysia in Thailand and providing baseline data for future biodiversity and conservation research.
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