Maoricrypta immersa

Maoricrypta immersa
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image_search Terms and anatomy

Size: 3.5 cm (female)

Distribution: All SA continental waters

Habitat: Attached to dead shells, often on sandy or gravel substrate. Occasionally on stones.

Depth: Subtidal to 10+ metres

The female of this very flat shell is found attached to dead shells or occasionally to stones. It can take on the shape of its host, so those attached to the inside of shells such as Pinna bicolor are concave while those attached to the outside are convex. When present, the much smaller male is attached to the shell of the female. Usually a white or light brown in colour, the beak-like apex of this species' shell overlaps the outside edge. It has a subtle sculpture of stepped concentric lines, and although it is often heavily eroded, darker radial stripes can sometimes be seen. The low profile of this species is distinctive, but it is the sharp curved apex that distinguishes it from other South Australian species in the family Calyptraeidae.


Further Reference

Seashells of New South Wales