Distribution, density and nutritional value of Pomacea canaliculata Snail at several locations in Bali, Indonesia

Abstract

Rice fields are one of the habitats for the golden apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata). The snails also spread in several rice fields in Bali. This research aimed to determine the density, distribution pattern, presence frequency and the nutritional value of golden apple snails from several locations in Bali. Golden apple snails were collected at an altitude of <100m and >500m above sea level in three districts in Bali. In each district, golden apple snail was taken in two locations at each altitude and in three rice fields at each location. The collections of golden apple snail were carried out in a 1x1m quadrate plot. The snails was taken to the laboratory and counted, the morphological characters were observed including the morphometry. The body of the golden apple snail is made into flour and its nutritional value was analyzed. The results showed that the density of the golden apple snail at an altitude of <100m tends to be higher than at an altitude of >500m. The highest density was 10.42 ind/m² and the lowest was 1.5 ind/m².  The presence frequency was absolute with a value of 75-100%. Group distribution patterns were found at nine locations and regular patterns at three locations. Crude protein in locations with an altitude <100m tends to be higher (48.14-51.88%) than an altitude >500m (41.07-43.38%). Amino acid content is 0.17-1.32%, calcium 5.66 - 9.32% and phosphorus 0.18 - 0.40%.