Melanopsis magnifica

Melanopsis magnifica is a species of freshwater gastropod endemic to oases and wadis in Morocco.

Distribution & Habitats

Melanopsis magnifica exists mainly in shallow streams with stony substrates (though not exclusively) in several localities, only three of which are recognized by the IUCN- Berkane, Fez, and Ouadi Korifla. M. magnifica populations exist in close proximity to urban areas and are prone to population damage as a result of pollution, and habitat modification. In addition, the population of Ouadi Ain Chqef (also known in collections as Ain Chkef, and can be marked as a subpopulation of Fez) has been recorded as having the densest subspecies overlap, with subspecies berkanensis, expansa, ingens (take note that individuals from this site are not subfossils), magnifica, and several other forms of these subspecies. Some populations may represent distinct undiagnosed subspecies or species.