Euprotomus aurisdianae

Euprotomus aurisdianae, common name the Diana conch, is a species of small to medium-sized sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Strombidae, the true conchs.

Euprotomus aurisdianae
Five views of a shell of Euprotomus aurisdianae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Caenogastropoda
Order: Littorinimorpha
Family: Strombidae
Genus: Euprotomus
Species:
E. aurisdianae
Binomial name
Euprotomus aurisdianae
Synonyms

Shell description

The maximum shell length of this species is up to 90 mm, but it more commonly grows to 70 mm in size.[1]

Euprotomus aurisdianae has a thick and solid shell which has a nearly elliptical contour. The shell has a high pointed spire and an irregular body whorl, ornamented with large knobs and easily distinguishable and divergent ridges. The flaring outer lip has a characteristic posterior expansion, with an aspect similar to that of a spine, that extends itself posteriorly as far as half the length of the apex. Liration is present near the anterior and posterior ends of the outer lip. The inner lip is smooth with a thin callus. The siphonal canal is strongly bent,[1] and the stromboid notch is deep, easily distinguishable.

The shell color can vary from dull cream to pale grey, with irregular darker spots and lines. The ventral callus and inner lip are commonly glossy white. The aperture is rich orange or pink interiorly, and becomes paler towards the outer lip margin.[1]

Distribution

This species occurs widely in the Indo-West Pacific, from central East Africa (including Aldabra, Madagascar, Tanzania and the Red Sea), to the north to Japan and south to northern Queensland, Australia.[2][1]

Ecology

Habitat

Euprotomus aurisdianae is known to live in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. It dwells in shallow water coral reef areas, such as coral sand, grassy sand flats and dead coral, to a maximum depth of around 10 m.[1]

Feeding

This species is known to be a herbivore.

Human uses

This sea snail is generally collected for food wherever it is abundant. The shell of Euprotomus aurisdianae is commonly used in shellcraft, and is sold in local markets in the central and northern Philippines.[1]

References
  1. Poutiers, J. M. (1998). Gastropods in: FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes: The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific Volume 1. Seaweeds, corals, bivalves and gastropods. Rome, FAO, 1998. page 469.
  2. Euprotomus aurisdianae Linnaeus, 1758. Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species on 23 March 2011.
  • "Euprotomus aurisdianae". Gastropods.com. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
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