List of non-marine molluscs of Cuba

The non-marine molluscs of Cuba are a part of the molluscan wildlife of Cuba. Numerous species of non-marine molluscs are found in the wild in Cuba, which is in fact one of the richest places for the malacological fauna in the world, especially in land snails, hosting a high degree of endemism. Cuba has some highly charismatic species of land snails, such as those of the genus Polymita and Liguus.

A total of 42 species of freshwater molluscs occur in Cuba. Introduced species such as Tarebia granifera and Melanoides tuberculata are spread throughout the country and might be a threat for endemics and other native snails.

There are many works regarding taxonomic and systematic studies in marine and land molluscs with a fewer number on ecology and distribution. Freshwater molluscs, however, are scarcer and have received less attention.

A total of 10 (23.8%) out of 42 described freshwater snails and mussels are endemic in Cuba. The percentage of endemism shown in Cuban freshwater molluscs (23.8%) is characteristic of the fauna of islands. Only one endemic species exhibits a wide distribution range throughout the country while the others have small populations in a few or only one locality. Of the 42 freshwater molluscs of Cuba, 24 species occur within the limits of protected areas. Of these, Tarebia granifera and Physa acuta seem to be the most common snails while the endemics of the genus Hemisinus, Nephronaias, and Viviparus are quite rare in the protected areas, and have scarce populations in Cuba. Of the 253 protected areas in Cuba, only 35 have populations of freshwater molluscs (endemic and non-endemic species). A remarkable point is that 54% of protected areas host introduced species.

Five species of introduced freshwater molluscs occur in Cuba. The main species are the thiarids Tarebia granifera and Melanoides tuberculata (family Thiaridae). Other species are Pomacea diffusa and Marisa cornuarietis (family Ampullariidae), and Corbicula fluminea (family Corbiculidae).

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