Cancellothyris hedleyi

Cancellothyris hedleyi
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Size: 3 cm

Distribution: All SA continental waters

Habitat: Rocky reef, on rock walls and crevices

Depth: 2 to 10+ metres

Cancellothyris hedleyi
Cancellothyris hedleyi

This large brachiopod is found on rock walls and caves. It has a relatively smooth shell, which is usually heavily encrusted by orange or yellow sponge. In this way it closely resembles the Doughboy Scallop (Mimachlamys asperrima). It can be distinguished however, by the smooth curved edges to its two valves, compared to the scallop, which has a zigzag but straight edge, filled with blue eyes.