Gastropod Pests on Gracilaria Cylindrica and Gracilaria Verrucosa

Using traditional methods, Gracilaria cylindrica and Gracilaria verrucosa are commonly cultivated  in  ponds  located  in the south eastern  parts  of South Sulawesi.  G. cylindrica  has thick,  cylindrical   branches.  G.  verrucosa  has  slender  broad-based branches.  An illustrated taxonomic  account  is  presented.   Three   species  of  herbivore   gastropods,  Clithon   sp., Neritodryas sp., and Clypeomorus sp., occur naturally in the pond areas. The snails easily develop into pests. To reduce the problem, farmers must daily clean cultured Gracilaria by hand. Polyculture of Gracilaria and milk fish reduce problems with fouling epiphytes.