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Of Sea and Shore 27:1:1 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:2 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:3 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:4 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:5 A DREDGING TRIP IN THE GULF OF MEXICO Emilio Fabi n Garc a 115 Oak Crest Dr Lafayette, LA 70503 USA [email protected] In the early 1980’s I heard that a research ship was being built in Louisiana for the use of Louisiana universities and other scientific institutions. It was very exciting for me because I knew that sooner or later I would find a way to get on board. It took a while, but the vessel was eventually finished in 1985, and was named the R/V “Pelican” (Fig. 1). It would be the most important research tool for LUMCON, the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, and it would be my fantasy tale. The”Pelican” is 116 ft. long, has built-in laboratories, and is capable of taking 16 scientists for periods of up to three weeks at a time. For dredging and trawling, it has a winch that holds 3,000 meters of cable 1/3 of an inch in diameter (Fig. 2). In other words, one may go dredging to a depth of 1000 meters of water. It wasn’t until 1993, 8 years after the ship was built, when my fantasy became a reality and I had my first opportunity to go dredging on the “Pelican”. The experience was all I dreamed of, and more. Moreover, I have had the opportunity of repeating the experience on seven other occasions. The remarkable discoveries that were made during these cruises have been published by Garc a (1996, 1999a, 1999b, 2000, 2002a, 2002b, 2002c) and Garc a & Lee (2002, 2003, 2004). My story today is from my last trip, in June 2004. It all began when my friends and colleagues, Drs. Darryl Felder and Suzanne Fredericq, asked me to join them on a two-week cruise to southwest Florida. The plans were to depart from the LUMCON laboratory complex, located in the middle of the swamps in southwest Louisiana (and where the “Pelican” is docked), and head towards the Dry Tortugas, at the very tip of southwest Florida, where the collecting would begin. It would take over a day of uninterrupted cruising to get there. Once in Dry Tortugas we started a northerly series of drags, two to three drags per station, and in a zig-zag pattern. We would dredge roughly from 50 m to 100 m of water, and back to around 50 m. At times we would go as deep as 300, 400, and even 500 m, particularly once we got to the latitude of Tampa. Because my colleagues were collecting very fragile marine life and were afraid the specimens might get damaged if they dredged too long, the drags would only last approximately 15 minutes each. If we hit hard bottom, the dredging time would be somewhat longer. Obviously, a number of hauls came up empty. The dredged material was first dumped on a large table top (Fig. 4), around which every one would impatiently gather (Fig. 5) after the O.K. to rush to the table was given by those operating the winch. About one half of my friends were interested only in crustaceans, and the other half only in sponges (Other phyla were collected and preserved for other colleagues). And then there was I, the lone shell collector. You can imagine the hardships that I had to go through. My friends would not leave me alone: “Here is a shell, Emilio.” “Emilio, would you like these shells?” “Emilio…ooo, I have something for you…uuu!” As I said, it was pure hell! .Moreover, since I also wanted to photograph the live shells, I kept running back and forth to the lab to place the specimens in water. No sooner had I taken care of one batch than they already had more specimens waiting for me. It was just not fair! After all the “visual” collecting was done, including breaking up sponges or large pieces of rubble, everyone disappeared into the lab “to do their thing” with their specimens. But not I, not the sole shell collector in the bunch. If the “grunge” was promising, I had to pick up a shovel and start shoveling all the sediment into different size sieves. After inspecting the larger pieces of rubble and discarding them, I would place the more promising portion in a sac with a label. Some 20 such sacs, about one third full, weighing probably a total of around 300 pounds, went home with me. Once at home, I would wash the sediment from each sac with fresh water, let it dry thoroughly, and then inspect it, a handful at a time, first with my x10 Optivisor, and then under the microscope. Obviously, it was collecting shells all over again, and just as exciting. Once we finished our last haul off Tampa Bay, we began our cruise back to Louisiana. We started the return trip somewhat earlier, because we wanted to make a final stop at a very interesting area off the Mississippi River Delta called Sackett Bank. This bank, like many other banks located off the Louisiana coast, raises from the seafloor to some 60 to 70 meters from the surface. The top of Sackett Bank is silty with calcareous rubble, and it has large concentrations of sponges and masses of the tube worm Vermicularia. The three drags that we managed to make at Sackett Bank produced very interesting species. One was a Calliostoma similar to C. scalenum Quinn, 1992 but with a dark umbilicus and wider in profile (Fig. 7). There were also a large Fusinus that seems to be undescribed, a Psilaxis krebsii 14.3 mm in length Of Sea and Shore (largest reported size: 10.5 mm); a Niso hendersoni 35 mm in length (largest reported size27.8 mm), and a white cone, similar in shape to C. amphiurgus. The material from the hauls off the southwest coast of Florida also produced interesting results. Four of the species collected had never been reported from the Gulf of Mexico: the naticid Sigatica carolinensis Dall, 1889, the muricid Favartia richardbinghami Petuch, 1987, the rissoid Microstelma vestale (Rehder, 1943) and the ranellid Cymatium rehderi A. H.Verrill, 1950. The latter was collected alive, as was a specimen of Chicoreus consuela A. H. Verrill, 1950 (Fig. 13a). Although C. consuela is not uncommon off the coast of Texas and Louisiana (See fig. 13b), it had never been reported from the west coast of Florida. A number of species collected are yet to be identified and may be undescribed. Collecting by dredging has some draw- backs, the most important of which are the intrinsically haphazard method of collecting, and the lack of a clear picture of the microhabitat of a particular species. On the other hand, it is arguably the most efficient way of finding out the composition of the molluscan fauna of an area, since the collector has the luxury of carefully inspecting the sediment at home, under a microscope, and obtain many species of small mollusks, alas empty in 90% of the cases. This microfauna would be next to impossible to spot with the naked eye while SCUBA diving, or with the use of a submersible. During the two-week cruise we pulled some 70 hauls. At an average of 15 minutes per haul, the total dredging time was approximately 17 hours. The molluscan material alone obtained during this process has been catalogued in 464 lots. Not too shabby. REFERENCES. Garc a, E.F. 1996. Frustrations and extensions: Problematic and ignored species and redefinition of two geographical boundaries- Part II. American Conchologist 24(1): 3-5. Garc a, E. F. 1999a. New molluscan records for the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. ibid. 27(2): 27-28. Garc a, E. F. 1999b. Three new gastropod species from the New World. Apex 14 (3-4):59-65, 2 pls. Garc a, E. F. 2000. Surprising new molluscan records for Louisiana and the northwesternGulf of Mexico. American Conchologist 28(3): 5-6. Garc a, E. F. 2002a. More discoveries from a collecting expedition off the LouisianaCoast ibid. 30(1): 6-7, 10. Garc a, E. F. 2002b. And yet more discoveries from a collecting expedition off the Louisiana coast. ibid. 30(2): 25. 27:1:6 Garc a, E. F. 2002c. Unexpected molluscan finds from the hydrocarbon vents off theLouisiana coast. ibid. 30(4): 28. Garc a, E. F. & Lee, H. G. 2002. Report on Louisiana species found in the offshore Louisiana waters, including many extensions of known range and unnamed species. ibid. 30(4): 10-13. Garc a, E. F. & Lee, H. G. 2003. Report on Louisiana species found in the offshore Louisiana waters, including many extensions of known range and unnamed species II. ibid. 31(1): 26-29. Garc a, E. F. & Lee, H. G. 2004. Report on the malacofauna of offshore Louisiana waters - including many range extensions and unnamed species. III. ibid. 32(3): 21-24. Note: this material is based upon work supported by National Science Grant #0315995. Color pages 4, 7 and 8 FIGURES 1-5 ( See page 4 ) 1.The Research Vessel “Pelican.” .2. Winch with 3,000 meters of 1/3" cable . 3. Dredge on board, half- filled with rubble. 4. Dumping rubble on collecting table. 5. Faculty and post-graduate students collecting specimens. FIGURES 6-12 ( See page 7 ) 6. Anatoma crispata Fleming, 1828 ( 2 mm). 7. Calliostoma sp. aff scalenum Quinn, 1992 ( 26 mm). 8.Dentystila dentifera (Dall, 1889)(3.6 mm). 9. Lamellitrochus lamellosus (Lamarck, 1822)(3.5 mm). 10. Trivia (Pusula) maltbiana. (Schwengel, 1942) 11. Bursa granularis (R ding, 1798) ( 48 mm). Collected alive at a record depth of 256-271 m. 12. Inella triserialis (Dall, 1881)(11.1 mm). FIGURES 13-19 ( See page 8 ) 13. Chicoreus consuela.(Verrill, 1950):13a. First reported specimen from southwest Florida ( 68 mm). 13b. A rare yellow color form from off Louisiana (72.3 mm). 14. Mitra florida Gould, 1856 (73.4 mm). 15. Pecten chazaliei.(Dautzenberg, 1900). 16. Terebra lindae Petuch, 1987 (80mm).. 17. Conus juliae Clench, 1942 (22 mm). 18. Hyalina sp. (10.1 mm) 19. Prunum hartleyanum Schengel,1941(6.8 mm). Of Sea and Shore 27:1:7 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:8 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:9 A PHOTO STUDY OF THE EASTERN PACIFIC HYBRID ABALONES (GENUS HALIOTIS) Buzz Owen P.O. Box 601 Gualala, California 95445 [email protected] Part 7 1) Haliotis kamtschatkana assimilis Dall, 1878 x H. sorenseni Bartsch, 1940 2) Haliotis rufescens Swainson, 1822 x H. walallensis Stearns, 1899 3) Haliotis kamtschatkana assimilis x H. walallensis ABSTRACT Three of the four known specimens of three extremely rare, hybrid abalone are illustrated with highresolution color photography. Two specimens of each of the respective parent species are also illustrated for comparison purposes. Reasons for the necessity of this review of the West American hybrid Haliotis are discussed. INTRODUCTION The present work is the seventh in a series of ten papers that will illustrate each of the fourteen interspecific Eastern Pacific Haliotis hybrids that are currently known to have been retrieved from natural populations. Parts 1 and 2 treated H. rufescens x H. corrugata Wood, 1828 (Of Sea and Shore, Vol. 25, No. 2); and H. corrugata x H. walallensis (Vol. 25, No. 3). Parts 3 and 4 covered H. corrugata x fulgens Philippi, 1845 (Vol. 25, No. 4), and H. rufescens x H. kamtschatkana assimilis (Vol. 26, No. 2), while part five treated H. corrugata x H. sorenseni (Vol. 26, No. 3). Part 6 concluded our review of the more common hybrids with the treatment of H. rufescens x H. sorenseni (Vol. 26, No. 4). The present report will begin our examination of the ultra-rare forms, and the series will be concluded with a tenth paper which will illustrate three unique specimens that represent hybridization of two of these hybrid varieties with a third Haliotis species. Hybridization of the Eastern Pacific Haliotis has been well documented. Owen (1961) presented a report on six varieties found in Southern California and the adjacent Channel Islands. Owen et al. (1971) expanded this report to include six additional hybrids. These 12 crosses involved all west coast species with the exception of H. cracherodii Leach, 1814, however Owen and Leighton (2002) described two hybrids of H. cracherodii crossed with H. corrugata and H. fulgens. Additionally, hybrid Haliotis have been reported in South and Western Australia, by Owen and Kershaw (2002, 2003). Finally, a report by Owen (2005) cites the laboratory culture of a “four-species” hybrid resulting from crossing two hybrids of dissimilar parentage: H. corrugata x H. walallensis and H. rufescens x H. sorenseni. Beginning in the early 1980s, a severe population decline was noticed in all Haliotis species native to the Southern California Channel Islands. Simultaneously, few, if any, of these hybrids were retrieved by commercial Haliotis divers (C. Sites, J. Marshall pers. comm.). The reasons for this decline remain unclear. Commercial over-fishing doesn’t appear to be a major factor as two species that were never taken commercially in that area, H. walallensis, and H. kamtschatkana assimilis, suffered a severe decline during the same period as well. This severe population decline continued in all Haliotis species throughout Southern California and the adjacent Channel Islands and finally led to closure of the sport and commercial fisheries in these areas in 1997. This closure is still in effect. It appears clear that few, if any, of the very rare hybrid varieties (hybrids other than the most common: H. rufescens x H. sorenseni) were taken after the period from 1975 to 1980. Thus, virtually all known specimens exist in either the Buzz Owen Collection (BOC), Gualala, California, or in the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History (LACM). The LACM specimens were deposited by Owen as reference for the earlier paper on Eastern Pacific hybrids (Owen et al. 1971). The primary purpose of this first work was to prove the actual existence of hybrid Haliotis specimens. Thus, only a single shell specimen was photographed in black and white for each hybrid variety illustrated. This led to much confusion in subsequent years when Haliotiphiles tried to use this paper as an identification guide during searches of commercial Haliotis shell piles, where the vast majority of hybrid Haliotis specimens have been found to date. This has proven to be especially true in Lower California, Mexico, where a commercial fishery still exists (2005). Therefore, the primary impetus for this reappraisal is to illustrate a number of specimens of each hybrid in color so as to facilitate a greater understanding of each variety and make it possible to accurately identify hybrid Haliotis shell specimens. Of Sea and Shore 27:1:10 MATERIAL AND METHODS Abbreviations of Collections: LACM: Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History; BOC: Buzz Owen Collection. All illustrated specimens of these three rare forms are from the BOC and were taken from the California Channel Islands or adjacent coastal areas by Owen or by commercial abalone divers with whom he worked. Where noted, (which was the case in most instances) the identity of a specimen was confirmed by study of the animal as well as the shell. Photography was performed with a Canon A70 digital camera and the resulting images processed with an iMac computer using Adobe Photoshop version 8. RESULTS 1) H. kamtschatkana assimilis x H. sorenseni. Three of the four known specimens of this hybrid were live-taken, and one was found in a commercial shell pile in Goleta, California (Owen et al. 1971). Three are in the BOC and one was placed in the LACM as a reference specimen to the 1971 paper on Eastern Pacific Hybridization. The single specimen without animal bears more of a resemblance to H. sorenseni crossed with the northern ssp. H. k. kamtschatkana, while the remaining three more resemble H. kamtschatkana assimilis. Three of four shell specimens show, to a varying degree, the genetic markings in later stages of growth of H. kamtschatkana assimilis - especially Plate 1B. For more details of this extremely rare form, the earlier paper is suggested for further study (Owen et al. 1971). 2) H. rufescens x H. walallensis. All five specimens of this hybrid were live-taken, with three having very precise locality data. The two specimens without data were identified by both animal and shell morphology, but the locality data was lost. The larger of these two is from San Miguel Island, while the smaller specimen was taken near Point Conception. All specimens are in the BOC except for a single example that was placed in the LACM as a reference specimen for the 1971 hybrid paper. (Owen et al. 1971) 3) H. kamtschatkana assimilis x H. walallensis Four specimens of this hybrid are currently known, however only one was retrieved from natural populations. The three remaining examples were cultured by Owen in a marine shellfish hatchery. In all four specimens, both parent species were clearly and equally visible in the morphology of the animal – particularly in the epipodial structures and pigmentation. This is also largely true of the shells in respect to shell proportions and spiral ribbing – however this would often be a very difficult hybrid to positively identify without the animal present. All three hatchery specimens are in the BOC. The specimen taken near Point Conception was deposited in the LACM as the reference specimen to the 1971 hybrid paper (Owen et al. 1971). DISCUSSION 1) Haliotis kamtschatkana assimilis x H. sorenseni. This hybrid may be more common than the known number of examples (four) would indicate. One reason for this may be that most specimens are probably too small to enter into the commercial abalone catch, and thus are unavailable for study. Another more likely reason is that the two parent species resemble each other sufficiently that overlap of certain characteristics occasionally occurs. This could make it difficult to identify some shell specimens without animals available for study (the same problem without doubt occurs with H. kamtschatkana assimilis x H. walallensis, only more so, due to its even smaller size). Curiously, the single specimen of H. kamtschatkana assimilis x sorenseni recovered without animal, bears more of a resemblance to the northern ssp. H. k. kamtschatkana crossed with H. sorenseni. As H. k. kamtschatkana and H. sorenseni differ greatly in shell morphology, this hybrid specimen is easy to identify as both species are equally and strongly represented. This hybrid was also cultured in a marine shellfish hatchery by Owen in 1969. Higher than average rates of fertilization were achieved, and subsequent development of juvenile abalones (>200,000) proceeded normally. 2) Haliotis rufescens x H. walallensis. Four of the five known specimens of this extremely rare form came from two well-separated areas of the Southern California coastline; Point Loma/ La Jolla (two), and Point Conception (two). Only one came from an offshore channel island (San Miguel Island). It could be expected to occur from north of Point Conception to central Oregon – a distance of well over 1000 km – yet none have ever been found in this area. Perhaps the huge numbers of abalones exposed to knowledgeable commercial divers is a factor: For example, the five known specimens were all live-taken over a 15 year period by friends of Owen who were closely watching for such unusual Haliotis. As with most of the rarest hybrids, it is only through exposure to huge quantities of material that specimens are occasionally found. 3) Haliotis kamtschatkana assimilis x H. walallensis. The single example of this hybrid found in natural populations was almost ignored by Owen, who upon first examining it thought it was an atypical specimen of H. kamtschatkana assimilis. Closer inspection of the animal under low-power magnification clearly showed the Of Sea and Shore 27:1:11 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:12 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:13 morphology of both parent species, however. This form may be more common than one known specimen would seem to indicate, due to a combination of factors: 1) With extremely few exceptions, H. kamtschatkana assimilis is too small to be harvested commercially, while H. walallensis is never taken for commercial purposes – thus few specimens of the hybrid would ever be available for study. 2) The small size and somewhat similar animal pigmentation of the parent species, on casual examination, would make identification of the hybrid in natural populations difficult. By contrast, the hybrids of H. rufescens are often large and easily recognized at a considerable distance due to the morphology of the animal being extremely different from that of the species it hybridizes with. This results in a hybrid that is easily visible, vividly demonstrating the characters of both parent species. 3) Very few commercial divers pay any attention to the parent species due to their small size and thus wouldn’t notice the hybrid. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank David Leighton for his constructive review of the manuscript, and Stephen Browning and Tom Grace for providing helpful comments. I also want to thank Bob McMillen, who provided many of the shell specimens used in this study. Part 2: H. corrugata Wood, 1828 x H. walallensis Stearns, 1899. ibid. 25:3:177-180. Owen, B. and R. Kershaw. 2004. A New Hybrid Haliotis From Western Australia.ibid. 26:1:50-53. Owen, B. and D. Potter. 2003. A Photo Study of the Eastern Pacific Hybrid Abalones (Genus Haliotis). Part 3: H. corrugata Wood, 1828 x H. fulgens Philippi, 1845. ibid. 25:4:246-250. Owen, B. and D. Potter. 2004. A Photo Study of the Eastern Pacific Hybrid Abalones (Genus Haliotis). Part 4: H. rufescens Swainson, 1822 x H. kamtschatkana assimilis Dall, 1878. ibid. 26:2:119123. Owen, B. 2004. A Photo Study of the Eastern Pacific Hybrid Abalones (Genus Haliotis). Part 5: H. corrugata Wood, 1828 x H. sorenseni Bartsch, 1940. ibid. 26:3:154-157;212. Owen, B. 2005. A Photo Study of the Eastern Pacific Hybrid Abalones (Genus Haliotis). Part 6: H. rufescens Swainson, 1822 x H. sorenseni Bartsch, 1940. ibid. Vol. 26, No. 4. LITERATURE CITED Owen, B. 2005. The Culture of a “Four Species” Haliotis Hybrid in a Marine Shellfish Hatchery. ibid. Vol. 26, No. 4. Owen, R. S. 1961. Hybridization in Western American Haliotis (Abstract). American Malacological Union Annual Report. 28:34. ADDITIONAL REFERENCES Owen, B., J. H. McLean and R. J. Meyer. 1971. Hybridization in the Eastern Pacific Abalone (Haliotis). Bulletin of the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. Science 9:1-37. Owen, B. and R. J. Meyer. 1972. Laboratory Studies of Hybridization in California Abalones (Haliotis). Unpublished MS. Pacific Mariculture, Inc., Pigeon Point, California. 38 pp. Owen, Buzz R. S. and D. L. Leighton. 2002. Shell Specimens from Natural Populations Identified as Hybrids of the Black Abalone, Haliotis cracherodii Leach, 1814. Of Sea and Shore 24:3:135-138. Owen, B. and D. Potter. 2002. A Photo Study of the Eastern Pacific Hybrid Abalones (Genus Haliotis). Part 1: Haliotis rufescens Swainson, 1822 x H. corrugata Wood, 1828. ibid. 25:2:103-106. Owen, B. and R. Kershaw. 2002. Hybridization in the South and Western Australian Abalones (Genus Haliotis): A Photo Study and Guide to the Identification of Shell Specimens. ibid. 25:1:55-66. Owen, B. and D. Potter. 2003. A Photo Study of the Eastern Pacific Hybrid Abalones (Genus Haliotis). Cox, K. W. 1962. California Abalones, Family Haliotidae. California Department of Fish and Game Fisheries Bulletin 118:1-131, pls. 1-8. Geiger, D. L. 1998. Recent Genera and Species of the Family Haliotidae Rafinesque, 1815 (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda). The Nautilus 111:85-116. Geiger, D. L. 2000. Distribution and Biogeography of the Recent Haliotidae (Gastropoda:Vetigastropoda) World Wide. Bollettino Malacologico 35:57-120. Geiger, D. L. and Poppe, G. T. 2000. Family Haliotidae. In: Poppe, G. T. and Groh, K. (Eds). A Conchological Iconography. Conchbooks, Hackenheim, Germany. 135 pp., 83 pls. Mu oz Lopez, T. 1975. Descripci n de los H bridos Interspec ficos del Genero Haliotis (Mollusca:Gastropoda). Tesis Bi logo. Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, M xico. (In Spanish) Of Sea and Shore Available from : OF SEA AND SHORE PUBLICATIONS P.O. 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Or pay by credit card at www.paypal.com our account: of sea and shore, e-mail: [email protected] 27:1:14 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:15 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:16 Of Sea and Shore 2005 SHELL SHOWS & RELATED EVENTS Jun. 22-26 40th Oregon Shell Show, Portland, OR Oregon Museum of Science & Industry, Portland. Maxine Hale, 347 N.E. 136 Avenue; Portland, OR 97230-3308 (503) 253-5379 Jun. 26-30 JOINT AMERICAN MALACOLOGICAL SOCIETY/WESTERN SOCIETY OF MALACOLOGY MEETING, Pacific Grove, California Asilomar Conference Grounds, Asilomar Avenue Dr. Dianna Padilla, Dept. of Ecology & Evolution SUNY at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA (631) 632-7434 e-mail: [email protected] Jul. 2 - 3 JACKSONVILLE SHELL SHOW, Jacksonville Beach, FL. Jacksonville Beaches Woman’s Club at 2nd Avenue N. & 13th Street. Charlotte M. Lloyd, 1010 N. 24th Street; Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250-2883 904-246-0874 E-mail: [email protected] Jul. 19-24 CONCHOLOGISTS OF AMERICA ANNUAL CONVENTION, Ft. Myers, FL Sanibel Harbor Resort Hotel, Fort Myers. Anne Joffe, 1163 Kittiwake Circle; Sanibel, FL 33957 (239) 472-3151 E-mail: [email protected] Jul. 16-17 KEPPEL BAY SHELL SHOW, Yeppoon, Queensland, Australia Jean M. Offord, 277 McDougall St.; N. Rockhampton, Qld. 4701, Australia (7) 4928-3509 Jul. 23-24 TOWNSVILLE SHELL SHOW, Townsville, Queensland, Australia Cutharinga Bowls Club on Harold Street, West End. Glenda Rowse, 19 Farrell Street; Kirwan 4814, Queensland, Australia (7) 4773-2817 Aug. 19-21 JERSEY CAPE SHELL SHOW, Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor. Jersey Cape Shell Club, P.O. Box 124 Stone Harbor, NJ 08247 (609) 653-8017 DONALD DAN, COA Award Chairman • 6704 Overlook Drive • Ft. Myers, FL 33919 • U.S.A. Tel. Voice & Fax (941) 481-6704 • E-mail: [email protected] 27:1:17 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:18 RED SEA URCHIN - FROM THE OCEAN FLOOR TO THE SUSHI RESTAURANT Mark Reekie Strongylocentrotus franciscanus (Agassiz, 1863) Range/Habitat: DOMAIN: EUKARYA KINGDOM: ANAMALIA PHYLUM: ECHINODERMATA ORDER: ECHINOIDEA FAMILY: ECHINOIDAE GENUS: Strongylocentrotus SPECIES: Strongylocentrotus franciscanus COMMON NAME: RED SEA URCHIN: From Kodiak, Alaska to Southern Baja, California. They live on rocky shores in moderate to heavy current. They reside from the low inter-tidal zone to approximately 300 feet. They don’t like mud or silty gravel bottoms and avoid wave action. Description: Red Sea Urchin are members of the phylum Echinodermata, which means spiny skinned animal. Other members of the phylum include Sea Stars, Sea Cucumbers, Sea lilies and Brittle Stars. All of these have a bilateral radial symmetry. Red Sea Urchins have a domed top and flat bottomed spherical hard calcareous shell called a test .The shell has a thin layer around it called epithelium. Inside the shell there are five skeins of roe which are the gonads or sexual organs. These are the most predominant mass inside the shell. In between the gonads are gills which belong to their water vascular and respiration system .They also have a gut sack that is full of chewed up plant food. The test is made of 10 plates covered with three kinds of appendages: spines, tube feet and pedicellarine. The spines are for locomotion, protection and trapping food that is floating by in the current. The spines on mature adults are 3 inches long. If a spine is broken off, a new one can be generated. The tube feet are between the spines and are shorter. The Red Sea Urchin uses its water vascular system to operate the tube feet by controlling water movement to and from the feet through muscular tubes. As tube feet press against an object, removal of water from the tubes creates a vacuum. When the tube is refilled with water, the vacuum is broken and the grasp of the foot lets go. They have little suction cups on the ends that are also used for capturing food, locomotion and holding on to the ocean floor and kelp. They also have pedicellarine which are pincher like and are located on the bottom of the shell near the mouth. These small spines are armed with three jaws and are used for defense. Each has a poison gland and a rigid sensory hair. Each hair is destroyed after the urchin attacks a predator and inflicts a wound. The mouth has five very complex teeth on the bottom of the shell for grasping food. The food is taken in by the teeth and goes to the digestive tract and out to the anus which is located on the top of the dome. The urchin has no anterior or posterior and also has no eyes. Predators: Humans, Wolf Eel, Sea Stars, Brittle Stars, Octopus, Crab, Sea Otter Feeding: Red Sea Urchin graze on kelp. Their favorite is the Macrocystis (Giant Kelp) in southern California and southward and the Nereocystis (Bull Kelp) in northern California and northward. If kelp, their favorite delicacy is not abundant, they will eat algae, sea grasses and dead carrion and almost anything that will fit into their mouth. The mouth is also known as Aristotle’s Lantern for its appearance. Reproduction/Life Span: Red Sea Urchin has separate sexes. The female secretes orange eggs and the male secrets white sperm through the gonopores. The five gonads are on the opposite side of the mouth. Eggs are released into the water column and mass external fertilization takes place. Several million eggs are released. Usually Sea Urchins spawn between June and September peaking in July, however it can vary from area to area. Only about 1% will make it to fertilization. Fertilized eggs become free swimming larvae, they drift and eat plankton. At 6 to 8 weeks they settle to the bottom and start their juvenile life cycle. They hide under the adults for protection from predators until they are about 1.5 inches in size. It is unknown how long a Sea Urchin can live but it is now believed they can live as long as 200 years! Scientists use radiocarbon testing to get these age results. Size/Color: The Red Sea Urchin is the largest species of urchin in the world. For the most part Red Sea Urchin are in the 4 - 6 inch range but have been found as large as 8 - 9 inches. The color ranges from a blood red to burgundy to a dark purple. The growth rate is fast in infancy. The urchin will reach a sexual reproductive size in 2 years Of Sea and Shore 27:1:19 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:20 Of Sea and Shore and will be of harvest size in 5 years. The growth slows rapidly after reaching harvestable size. Harvesting/Commercial Fishery: In the 1960’s it was believed that Sea Urchins were a nuisance. Divers gathered together in large groups to go diving and destroy them using quicklime and smashing them with hammers to hopefully stop them from destroying the massive kelp beds off the California coast. The kelp beds are the stronghold for the entire ocean floor system. In the 1970’s, a commercial market was established with Japan. The Yen to dollar ratio in Japan became strong and the industry took off. Divers running small ocean going boats use a surface supplied air system for breathing and staying on the ocean floor for as long as the physics of diving is in their favor. Urchins are harvested with a stainless steel rake that is worn on the arm of the diver. The urchins are pried loose from the rocks and crevices and placed into a ringed net bag that holds approximately 300 lbs. The entire time the diver is harvesting, the giant washing machine of the oceans surges and currents tug and push the divers back and forth. After floating the bag to the surface they are winched onto the boat and are placed into a fish hold or left on the deck and tarped to keep sun and rain off of them. The boats will usually unload at the processing plant’s dock or sometimes buyers will purchase urchins from divers that are not in their home port so they will truck the urchins back to their plant for processing. During the 90’s, Sea Urchin was the number one marine resource in California far outdistancing Salmon and Dungeness Crab. Recently the entire Sea Urchin fishery on the USA Pacific Coast has been in decline due to the huge influx of countries closer to Japan unloading large amounts onto the market through an unmanaged fishery. In the USA a great deal of research was done to sustain the future of the Red Sea Urchin by regulating the number of permits, the poundage quota, revolving harvest locations, size limitations and seasonal openings. It is hard to compete with countries with very little resource regulations for the future. Processing: After being purchased from the diver, the processor will refrigerate the urchins in a cooler and hold them at approximately 35 degrees. The Urchins are then cracked delicately into two halves so as not to break the five pieces of roe. The roe is then spooned out of the shell with a small kitchen spatula. The processor hopes to get a minimum of 8% roe to live weight purchase. In other words if they buy 100 lbs of live Sea Urchin from the diver they need to have at least 8 pounds of roe on the trays. The next step is to get the gut sack away from the roe and get the pieces of broken 27:1:21 shell cleaned away. Roe is then held in a brine solution for a predetermined amount of time. Processors will purchase urchins from different countries or areas where they cannot be trucked to their own plant. A semi processing procedure is done with all of the preceeding procedures. Instead of going onto the wooden trays the roe is shipped in a brine solution in one gallon plastic jugs. They are packed in Styrofoam boxes, then into a cardboard box and shipped to the main plant by airplane. This process is known as jet jugging. After arriving at the plant the roe goes back into the brine tanks and final processing takes place from here. The roe is then placed on paper towels to drain. After cooling the roe, very experienced tray-pack personnel will artistically place the roe on the different sized wooden trays, these are then stacked 6 to 10 high. The processor marketing label is placed on the end of each tray, a wooden lid is put on the top tray, a piece of twine is then wrapped ornately around the entire stack. The next step would be packing them in a Styrofoam box with gel ice to make the trip to Japan or newly emerging local markets. Tsukiji Market: The Tsukiji Market (pronounced skee-gee) is located in the Ichiba district in Tokyo Japan and is the largest marine and seafood market in the world. After making the long trip to Japan, the roe is picked up by a Customs house broker, where it must clear Customs before moving on to the market where it will be auctioned off to wholesalers. The urchin trays are placed in one large room with other urchin from all over the world for potential buyers to view before the bidding starts. After the bidding ends the roe is taken and sold to grocery stores, restaurants and sushi bars. Cuisine: Sea Urchin roe is now a prized delicacy. The gonads or sex organs are used and are more commonly referred to as Roe and called Uni in Japan. The buyers look for a bright yellow gold color, tight eggs, firmness, freshness, roe size, artistic roe orientation on the tray and a well respected market label. In the USA sushi bars have become very popular and grocery stores have begun to sell sushi. In Japan, the price of uni soars to high levels during Golden Week, first week in May and at the Christmas holiday time. The bright yellow roe color has a sweet, paste like flavor that melts in the mouth, However it is definitely an acquired taste. Uni is eaten raw and is usually placed on top of rice and wrapped with Nori (seaweed). Most of the world production of the 12 commonly used species that are harvested for consumption come from the USA, Japan, Canada, China, Chile, Russia, Korea and Mexico. Uni is also used Fresh (Nama Uni), Baked (Yaki Uni), Steamed (Mushi Uni) Frozen (Reito Uni), Salted (Shio Uni), Lower grade Sea Urchin is also sold as a bulk paste and can be frozen. Of Sea and Shore Sushi Restaurant: Don’t knock it till you try it! Yes it is an acquired taste. Most sushi that I have tried is extremely good. So get out there and give it a try. MARK REEKIE SEASHELL CREATIONS www.seashellcreations.net I will be offering a trip to Thailand in the near future to go shelling, with a two day stop in Tokyo, to go to the Tsukiji Market. Please check my web page for further details. 27:1:22 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:23 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:24 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:25 Common Ripple Marks on Dutch Beaches Willem Krommenhoek Dr. Letteplein 1; 3731 JR De Bild, The Netherlands To most beachcombers sandy beaches with low angle ripple marks are very famililar. Unfortunately, when looking for shells or other bio-materials, these ripples do not get the attention they actually deserve. That is a pity, because they have a beauty of their own, representing the always changing pattern of interaction between sand and water, or sand and wind, coming and going wih the changes of tide and weather, differing in shape, size and symmetry. In this article I will present some common ripple marks and their origin. First a short description of the beach profile is given. Beach and Beach Profile The North Sea beaches of Holland are, nearly everywhere, composed of loose sand. Ripple marks can be found both in the foreshore – the area exposed at low tide and covered twice each day by seawater – and the backshore – covered by water only during exceptionally high tides and strong gales. The foreshore, especially, which is characterized by the wet conditions of the sea bottom shows all kinds of ripple marks. Practically all ripple marks are formed during the ebb stage and the greater part just before the final retreat of the water. The backshore is normally quite dry and only wind ripple marks and small sand dunes are usually seen. minimum depth. The water, pushed over the ball by the waves, slows away in two opposite directions. See Fig. 2. Ordinary Current Ripples Where waves act on a horizontal bottom, symmetri8c wave ripple marks will be produced as a product of unidirectionally flowing water. When the waves reach the shore and the water becomes shallower, they become asymmetrical, the shoreward movement of the water particles being stronger than the backward movement. Then asymmetric wave ripples will be the result, with their steeper sides pointing to the slope. On the beach the waves give rise to swash and backwash and ordinary current ripples and true current ripples a continuous series of transition stages exists. Ripples of this series are abundant on beaches, both in the lows and on the balls. On the latter they often occur together with rhomboid ripple marks (see below). Both kinds have the same orientation and their height and wave lengths are approximately equal. The ripples on the balls and those in the lows often differ in their relative height. Ordinary current ripples have a height which is generally about one-tenth of the wave length. On the balls much smaller values and in the lows much bigger values are often found. Rhomboid Ripple Marks The position and properties of the subaquateously produced ripple marks in the foreshore are entirely dependent on the relief features. Along the Dutch coast these3 consist mainly of flat topped ridges or balls and shallow troughs or lows, of which two to four systems may be observed in the intertidal zone. The total number of lows and balls is dependent on the bottom slope, gentle beaches being particularly favourable for the development. See Fig. 1. The lows and balls generally increase both in width and height from th high tide level downwards. The seaward slops of the balls are usually less steep than the landward slopes with the exception of the uppermost ridge where the reverse condition seems to be more common. The general pattern of lows and balls is rather stabile over a period of time. ] The balls do not form continuous ridges along the length of the beach, but are interrupted by shallow cross channels or outlets, which occur at regular distances from each other. Strong seaward currents can develop in these outlets, which form the so called rip currents. Halfway between the outlets the lows may show a Where the water spreads out in a shallow layer over the smooth seaward slope of the ball, rhomboid ripples are produced, see Fig. 3. These ripples posses a very flat rhomb shapes stoss side and two steep lee sides. The longer axis of the rhomb corfrespoinds to the current direction. This direction may be marked also by systems of straight groovings. The ripples travel downstream by deposition of material on the lee sides. The two lee sides are not always of equal development. The only necessary co9nditions for the development of rhomboid ripples appear to be shallow water, rapid flow and a smooth bottom. Linguoid Ripple Marks Linguoid ripple marks are formed in shallow water flowing with moderate velocities. Where ordinary transverse current ripples have been formed and the water depth in subsequently reduced, so far that the crest5s of the ripples are about to be uncovered, linguoid ripples may develop. The water may then still be passing over the crests, but the flow is concentrated through gaps and lower places, which become widened Of Sea and Shore 27:1:26 by erosion. Immediately downstream of these troughs with concentrated flow cutting scross the current ripple crests, the flow line diverge, sediment is dropped and miniature deltas are built up. After a certain time the original current ripple relief is transformed into a new type of regular pattern; that of the linguoid ripples is frequently seen when lows have run dry for the greater part during the falling tide. Longitudinal Ripple Marks These are of a minute size, with heights not exceeding 1mm and show little regularity in interspacing. Instead of ripple marks the term lineation or striation is more appropriate. They are frequently found on the smooth surfaces of the balls, where their formation is due either to swash or backwash. Often they are noticed only by the concentration of fine shell detritus. Fig. 1. General cross section of the Dutch beach. Lows and balls generally increase both in width and height from the high tide level downwards. The seaward slopes of the balls are usually less steep than the land-wards slope, with the exception of the up-permost ridge where the reverse condition is more common. Beach Cusps Beach cusps are mostly seen on comparatively steep beaches together with a coarse composition of the desiment. Along the Dutch coast with its gently sloping sandy beaches they are not very common and if present, only of small elevation. Wind Ripples Wind ripples are mainly restricted to the backshore, where the water comes only rarely. Normally the surface is quite dry, a necessary condition for the formation of these ripples. The wave length of these ripples increases with the wind velocity, their height and shape depending on the grading of the sand. Fig. 2. Circulation of seawater in the presence of lows and balls. A: water pushed over the shoals; B: water flowing down the lows towards the outlets; C: wa-ter producing rip currents. Sand Dunes Besides ripples also small sand dunes are usually present on the backshore. Both longitudinal and transverse dunes are encountered. The transverse dunes which may have a typical barchan shape are higher, usually a few decimeters. The wind ripples on the crests of these dunes show generally a greater wave length, probably the result of higher wind velocities. Wind Ripples on the Wet Backshore Ripples of this kind originate where a sand loaded wind passes over smooth and moist sand surfaces. The most favorable place for the formation of these ripples is just below the high tide line. The initial ripples are only small isolated rolls of sand, formed at comparatively irregular interspaces. The crests migrate against the wind. Once deposited, the new grains become very soon moistened by capillary action. Only freshly deposited grains, concentrated in streaks parallel to the wind show up in a light color. Full grown stages develop a wave length in the range of 2mm to 2cm, with the steeper side facing the wind. Fig. 3. Distribution of different kind of ripples between lows and balls. In the relatively deep water in the low ordin-ary current ripples will be formed. In the outlet the water is of smaller depth and here linguoid ripples can be found. Where the water leaves the outlet and spreads out in a still shallower layer over the seaward slope of the ball, the linguoid ripples make place for rhomboid ones. Of Sea and Shore 27:1:27 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:28 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:29 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:30 THE IDENTITY OF THE LECTOTYPE SPECIMEN OF HALIOTIS CREBRISCULPTA SOWERBY, 1914 Buzz Owen P.O. Box 601 Gualala, California 95445 [email protected] ABSTRACT The identity of the lectotype of Haliotis crebrisculpa Sowerby, 1914, is resolved, and the circumstances leading to the discovery of its synonymy with H. squamosa Gray, 1826, are described and discussed. A number of photographs are presented on two color plates that illustrate the similarities between H. squamosa and the lectotype specimen. As animal specimens of both the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta and H. squamosa are unknown to science, conclusions are drawn solely through the comparison of the shell morphology of the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta and a large number of specimens of H. squamosa. INTRODUCTION The three syntypes of H. crebrisculpta Sowerby, 1914, belong to two species (Stewart and Geiger, 1999). Two specimens in the syntype series are referable to H. clathrata Reeve, 1846, while the lectotype designated by Stewart and Geiger (1999) remains known from a single specimen. This has caused much confusion and many malacologists and shell dealers have referred to H. clathrata incorrectly as H. crebrisculpta due to Sowerby’s error. Prior to 1975, only three specimens of H. squamosa, described as being from “Australia”, were known to exist to most malacologists: the two syntypes in the British Museum of Natural History, and a single specimen in a marine station in Tulear, Madagascar (R. R. Talmadge, pers. comm.). The only illustration of a specimen was of one of the syntypes – a drawing of which appeared in Reeve’s monograph of Genus Haliotis (1846). As a result, few malacologists were familiar, or even aware, of the species. That changed in 1975, when Jos Aubert, a Madagascan foreign exchange student, presented Owen with two Haliotis specimens discovered on a beach near Fort Dauphin, located at the southeast corner of Madagascar. Unable to identify the specimens, Owen took them to R. R. Talmadge who immediately recognized and identified the specimens as H. squamosa. As the news of the discovery of the true locality of this elusive species spread among the malacological community, a number of malacologists and shell dealers went to southeast Madagascar and retrieved a large number of shell specimens of H. squamosa. These were beachcollected by local natives who were shown photographs of the species. Attempts to find living specimens were unsuccessful as the sea conditions in the vicinity of Fort Dauphin were so rough as to make SCUBA diving impossible (D. Pisor, pers. com.). The animal of H. squamosa remains unknown to science. Within a short time, it was possible for Owen to obtain a large number of specimens for study, including numerous smaller shells less than fifty millimeters in length. It was during the examination of these latter juvenile and sub-adult specimens that the similarity to the lectotype specimen of H. crebrisculpta was first noted. Geiger and Poppe (2000) (citing Owen, pers. comm.) suggest the possibility that H. crebrisculpta is a juvenile specimen of H. squamosa with erroneous locality data and that a careful comparison of the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta with small specimens of H. squamosa could resolve the question. The results of this study effectively resolve this issue. MATERIAL AND METHODS In addition to the two shells obtained from Jos Aubert, 105 specimens of H. squamosa were obtained from three shell dealers. All originated from the vicinity of the Fort Dauphin area of southeast Madagascar and were recently dead beach shells collected by local natives. An additional 35 specimens from the collection of Katherine Stewart were also made available for study. The shells all ranged in size from 24.3 to 102.4 mm. Details of sculpture, particularly spiral ribbing, were studied, both at natural size and under 10X magnification. Comparisons were made to two photographs of the lectotype specimen of H. crebrisculpta supplied by D. L. Geiger. These photographs were taken with extremely fine grain 35 mm film and enabled the images to be enlarged to 250 mm with a very fine degree of resolution. This permitted the close study of the fine scales covering the spiral ribs on the exterior shell surface. Similarities were noted and described. RESULTS Although 140 shell specimens were available for study, only 79 smaller specimens (<80 mm) were used for many of the comparisons. Specimens over 80 mm were not included in some comparisons as they bore little resemblance to the 30 mm holotype of H. crebrisculpta in several aspects of shell proportion, in addition to spire placement. Of Sea and Shore 27:1:31 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:32 Of Sea and Shore The detailed examination of the photographs of the lectotype specimen of H. crebrisculpta under 10X magnification showed the spiral ribbing to have considerable erosion of the high points of the uplifted and somewhat regularly spaced scabrous scales. This, together with the milky, non-reflective nacre of the interior and the dull, yellow ochre dorsal coloration, suggest that the shell spent considerable time on the beach in the sun, in addition to suffering erosion in the shallow intertidal zone where it was likely found. By contrast, a large percentage of the H. squamosa specimens examined appeared fresh dead, having little or no erosion, and very reflective nacreous interiors. Additionally, the scabrous scales on the uplifted and more regularly spaced segments of the spiral ribs exhibited sharp details. In the lectotype, the raised scaly areas are considerably worn and the details on the highest points are often missing. After studying the spiral ribbing and other details of sculpture on 140 specimens of H. squamosa, in addition to two excellent photographs of the lectotype specimen of H. crebrisculpta, the following conclusions were made: 1) The number of major, spiral cords from the suture between the apex and the body whorl to the row of tremata averaged fifteen. The range varied from fourteen to sixteen. The lectotype of H. crebrisculpta has fifteen. A variable number of minor cords will occasionally alternate with ribs of greater width. 2) Uplifted scales occur on the spiral cords of the lectotype along radial rows as localized shell deposition events on the dorsal shell surface. In the comparison group of H. squamosa, the number of sharp, intermediate, cross serrations or “minor scales” between these major uplifting events averaged between six and seven. The range varied from five to ten. This is similar to the lectotype. Forty-four specimens out of seventyeight (56.4%) had seven open tremata, as does the lectotype. (The remaining shells all had six open). 3) The pair of ribs circumscribing the tremata of the lectotype is present in 19 of the 78 specimens (24.3%) of H. squamosa. 4) Spire location was calculated as a quotient of the distance from the posterior margin to the apex divided by the overall length. This quotient averaged 16.2% for 12 specimens of H. squamosa measured at 30mm, and measured 15.7% on the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta. This difference is very slight, and may be largely due to a slightly different camera/shell angle used when photographing the holotype. By comparison, another elongate species, H. squamata Reeve, 1846, has a quotient of 5.8% (average of 12 specimens), and H. clathrata has a quotient of 23.4% (average of 12 specimens). These extreme differences 27:1:33 5) 6) 7) 8) accentuate the nearly identical quotients of H. squamosa and the H. crebrisculpta holotype. The three to four strong, wide, and scaly, spiral ribs on the carina, the area between the row of tremata and the exterior edge of the columella are identical in the lectotype and H. squamosa. The columellar shape and interior sculpture of the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta and those of the 140 specimens of H. squamosa studied exhibit a striking degree of similarity (See plate 1, figures 3-5). Geiger and Poppe (2000) suggest the straight anterior margin of the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta as a means of differential diagnosis from H. squamosa. Of the 78 specimens of H. squamosa examined, 11 specimens (14%) had a straight anterior margin similar to the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta. This percentage would undoubtedly have been greater had all specimens measured been approximately 30 mm in size. Geiger and Poppe (2000) further differentiate the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta from H. squamosa by having the scabrous scales on the exterior ribs arranged in “more or less radial rows”, with those of H. squamosa appearing in an “almost random fashion”. Of the 78 specimens of H. squamosa examined, >50% exhibited the scabrous scales arranged in radial rows very similar to the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta, especially in earlier stages of growth (shells <50 mm). On the basis of the above conclusions I hereby contend that the lectotype specimen of H. crebrisculpta Sowerby, 1914, is, in fact, a misidentified juvenile specimen of H. squamosa Gray, 1826 and propose that the binomen H. crebrisculpta be henceforth relegated to the status of a junior synonym of H. squamosa. DISCUSSION Previous error in the identification of this species is directly attributable to Sowerby’s provision of erroneous locality data in his description (published in 1914) and his apparent unfamiliarity with the preexisting type specimens of both H. squamosa Gray, 1826, and H. clathrata Reeve, 1846, in the BMNH. The lectotype specimen measures only 30 mm and small Haliotis are notoriously difficult to identify (Geiger, 1998; Owen, pers. obs.). It is also obviously a beach specimen, having undergone considerable erosion in addition to having faded from exposure to the sun. Had the specimen been 60-70 mm and fresh dead, its identity probably would have been obvious to one familiar with H. squamosa. In 1914 however, H. squamosa was virtually unknown except for the two syntypes in the BMNH. As Sowerby also misidentified two specimens of H. clathrata as syntypes of the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta, it is entirely possible that he was unfamiliar with both H. clathrata and H. squamosa, as well as the BMNH type collection itself. Of Sea and Shore Additionally, one of the syntypes of H. squamosa is atypical of this species, having only 4 open tremata, and unusual spiral ribbing with irregularly arranged and uplifted scabrous scales. More typically, these uplifted scales are arranged in more or less radial rows as in the lectotype specimen of H. crebrisculpta. Close examination of this syntype specimen of H. squamosa, illustrated in Stewart and Geiger (1999), suggests the possibility that this irregularity was caused by incidents of crab predation which damaged the growing margin of the shell during different stages of growth. The examination of 78 specimens of H. squamosa indicated such damage, in varying degrees, in 42 specimens (53.8%). Any slight disruption of the growing edge will cause the scabrous scales to become irregularly arranged. It follows that larger, more mature specimens (over 30 mm), would accrue and exhibit such damage far more commonly than younger small juveniles and sub-adults. Although extensive collecting has occurred since 1914 at the type locality of New Caledonia, no second specimen similar to the lectotype of H. crebrisculpa has ever been found (Stewart and Geiger, 1999; J. H. McLean, Mark Jones, pers. comm.). In addition, the two H. clathrata syntypes are very different from one another. The specimen with the broken anterior margin has fairly smooth spiral ribs, which are very weaklydeveloped, fine scales, very weak radial lamellae, strong blotchy chevron-like markings, and is very similar to specimens of this species from Queensland. The other syntype has strong spiral ribs with sharply-defined cross serrations (scales), strong radial lamellae, is a rather uniform color with little or no chevron-like markings, and is more typical of specimens from the Timor Sea, Guam, and other locations scattered throughout the northern Indo-Pacific basin. This suggests the possibility that the two syntypes may have come from considerably separated locations. How Sowerby obtained a specimen of H. squamosa from southeast Madagascar is unknown. The fact that two specimens of H. clathrata from possibly well-separated localities should be combined in the type lot of a species description, together with a specimen of H. squamosa from southeast Madagascar, exemplifies the problem of poor and erroneous locality data that was rampant in the nineteenth century and which continued to occur even into the twentieth century. Examples of the former include H. squamosa described by Gray in 1826 as being from “Australia”, but which is actually indigenous only to Madagascar; H. stomatiaeformis Reeve, 1846, described as being from “New Zealand”, but which actually occurs at Malta and Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea (Geiger and Owen, 2001); H. rufescens, indigenous to the west coast of North America, being listed as occurring in “Ceylon” (Reeve, 1846), and H. unilateralis Lamarck, 1822, described as being from “Australia”, but which occurs in the Red Sea, and parts of East Africa (Geiger, 1996). 27:1:34 In the early twentieth century, H. Hemphill deposited eight juvenile specimens of “H. fulgens from Monterey, California” in the collection of the California Academy of Sciences (Talmadge, 1964). However, close examination of these specimens in 1969 revealed the group to consist of three species, none of which were H. fulgens (Owen, pers. obs.). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This effort would not have been possible without the contributions of many people over a period of almost three decades. The author wishes to thank Jos Aubert for providing the rediscovery specimens of H. squamosa and the late Robert R. Talmadge for correctly identifying them. Daniel L. Geiger provided the photographs of the lectotype of H. crebrisculpta, copies of the descriptions of H. crebrisculpta and H. squamosa, and greatly appreciated editorial guidance. Katherine Stewart provided key specimens from her vast collection of Haliotis. The manuscript was improved through the critical review of Steve Browning, Tom Grace, and David Leighton. LITERATURE CITED Geiger, D. L. and G. T. Poppe. 2000. Family Haliotidae. In: Poppe, G.T. and Groh, K. (Eds). A Conchological Iconography. Conchbooks, Hackenheim, Germany. 135pp, 83pls. Geiger, D. L. and B. Owen. 2001. The Identity of Haliotis stomatiaeformis Reeve, 1846, from the Mediterranean Sea (Gastropoda:Vetigastropoda: Haliotidae). The Nautilus 115(3):77-83. Geiger, D. 1996. Haliotids in the Red Sea, with neotype designation for Haliotis unilateralis Lamarck, 1822 (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia). Revue Suisse de Zoologie 103:339-354. Lamarck, J. B. 1822. Histoire Naturelle des Animaux sans Vertebres (Natural History of the animals without Vertebrae). T. 6(2):1-232. Gray, J. E. 1826. Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coast of Australia Performed Between the Years 1818 and 1822 by Captain Phillip P. King. Vol. II, Appendix B:474-496. Reeve, L. 1846. Monograph of the Genus Haliotis, 22 pp., 17 pls. Sowerby, G. B. III. 1914. Descriptions of New Mollusca from New Caledonia, Japan, Philippines, China and West Africa. Annals and Magazine of Natural History Ser. 8, Vol. 14:475-480, pl. 19. Stewart, K. 1994. Notes on Haliotis squamosa Gray, 1827. Shells and Sea Life 16:92-95. Stewart, K. A. and D. L. Geiger. 1999. Designation of Lectotype for Haliotis crebrisculpta Sowerby, 1914, with a Discussion of H. clathrata Reeve, 1846 (non Lichtenstein, 1794). The Veliger 42: 85-96. Talmadge, R. R. 1964. The Races of Haliotis fulgens Philippi (Mollusca: Gastropoda). Transactions of the San Diego Society of Natural History. Vol. 13, No. 18, pp. 369-376. Of Sea and Shore 27:1:35 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:36 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:37 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:38 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:39 THE “BUZZ” ON ABALONES AN UNUSUAL AND POPULAR TERATOLOGICAL FORM FOUND IN GENUS HALIOTIS. Buzz Owen In this issue, I thought it would be interesting to explore an aberrant shell morphology that occurs occasionally, particularly in the “black abalone” (H. cracherodii Leach, 1814). This variant actually had a “name” ascribed to it almost 100 years ago when it was described as: Haliotis cracherodii holzneri Hemphill, 1907. The shell malformation is caused by a downward shift (change in the angle) of newly formed tremata, with a pronounced arching and uplifting of the new shell growth deposited subsequent to the injury (Plate 1). In most cases, it appears to be initiated by an injury to the mantle, affecting its function at the growing edge of the shell. It is quite rare, especially in its more extreme forms. As stated, it is most often found in the black abalone, which is endemic to the coast and off shore islands of northern Baja California, Mexico, and California. This is probably because this species is distributed in the shallow intertidal zone, and thus is often exposed to damage caused by severe wave shock and tumbling stones etc. It is most noticeable when this downward shift of the newly formed tremata is quite severe. In instances where the shift is only a few degrees, the change in shell morphology may be barely noticeable. In cases where the shift is considerable, the resultant change in morphology can often be bizarre and extreme. Rarely, the condition may even result in a specimen suddenly ceasing to form open holes – thus becoming imperforate (such was the case with Hemphill’s type specimen). Often, the injury occurs at a very early stage of growth, and is thus not visible, obscured by erosion and/or incrustation. When it occurs in later phases of development, the damage that caused the abnormality is often clearly visible, as an area of severely damaged and irregular shell increment. Rarely, the downward shift occurs in an area of shell that appears perfectly normal (Plate 1, bottom row), as if the downward shift occurred without visible cause. Although this condition may well be most commonly found in H. cracherodii, it occurs in other species as well – not surprisingly – most often those which are frequently distributed at shallow depths, such as H. fulgens and H. rufescens (the latter often occurring intertidally in northern California), where shell damage induced by rough sea conditions is more likely. Another factor that may account for this is that large commercial and sport fisheries in Baja California, Mexico, and Southern California (prior to 1997 in Southern California) have resulted in far more material being available for study. Other species (besides H. cracherodii, H. rufescens and H. fulgens), which demonstrate this peculiar abnormality, are illustrated on Plates 2 and 3. These include: H. corrugata Wood, 1828; H. kamtschatkana assimilis Dall, 1878; H. discus hannai, Ino, 1952; and H. marmorata Linnaeus, 1758. Curiously, the holotype specimen of H. sieboldii Reeve, 1846 (now classified as H. gigantea, Gmelin, 1791) is such an aberration (Plate 3). A living example (~40 mm) of H. fulgens cultured by Dave Leighton is illustrated on Pl. 2, and, additionally, one specimen (of H. cracherodii) obtained from shell dealer Wm. Naylor in 1954 is imperforate like Hemphill’s type of H. cracherodii holzneri (Plate 1). World Record Specimen of Haliotis fulgens Philippi, 1845. Based on material I have examined since 1949 (and in accord with other Haliotis specialists I have been in contact with in the past 55 years), H. fulgens is the world’s second largest species of Haliotis. The specimen illustrated with this month’s column is the largest ANY of us have ever measured, and thus lays claim to the title of the “World’s Largest Known Green Abalone”. Actually, I know of few specimens that measure in excess of 235 mm (about 9.25 inches) – perhaps as few as 5 or 6 – all but one or two of these in my own collection. Four of these latter examples are illustrated on Plate 4 below the world record specimen. This largest shell (255.3 mm) was given to me in October, 1959, by Gustar “Swede” Armann, at the same moment that he also gave me a huge specimen of H. rufescens Swainson, 1822 (293 mm/11.5 plus inches). This latter specimen of the “red abalone” was the world’s largest known Haliotis shell from 1952 to 1983 (see article “A Brief History and Photo Study of the World’s Six Largest Haliotis Shells, With Notes on Possible Factors Causing Gigantism” [this issue]). This huge “green abalone” (known to Mexican fishermen and collectors as “abul n azul”) had been given to Armann originally by D. D. “Darrell” Forman around 1955. It was reportedly found by Forman as a long dead shell on the beach at Isla Asunci n, Baja California, Mexico in the late 1940’s. I have personally always been suspicious of this locality data, as all information I have accumulated over the years I have been exposed to and studied Baja Californian (Mexican) Haliotis strongly suggests H. fulgens from this area attains maximum sizes which are much smaller than this at maturity (seldom over 200 mm). The truth here will probably never be known, as Forman passed away over 40 years ago – I never met the man – and Armann, whom I worked with and came to know very well, was a legendary “story teller” regarding locality data and maximum sizes (an understatement)!! (“Swede” passed away about 35 years ago). Actually, the huge H. fulgens specimen may have come from the colder waters in a Of Sea and Shore part of northern Baja California between Soledad Bay and Punta Banda (which includes Santo Tom s). Some very large examples of H. fulgens, H. rufescens, H corrugata, and H. cracherodii, have been found in the area, where conditions are often ideal for Haliotis to reach very large sizes. These conditions include, but are certainly not limited to, cold water (10-15 degrees C), excellent water circulation, growth of superior algal food species for Haliotis, plus low population densities of animals found in specific localities throughout this area. RECENTLY DESCRIBED SHELLED MARINE MOLLUSKS Calliostoma philippei Poppe, 2004 [page 41, fig.1] Type locality: off Aliguay Island, Philippines Distribution: known only from type locality, dredged 80-200m Size: 13+mm Calliostoma guphili Poppe, 2004 [page 41, fig.3] Type locality: off Sendingan, Loon, Bohol, Philipines Distribution: known only from type locality, dredged 56-90m Size: 6mm Calliostoma vilvensi Poppe, 2004 [page 41, fig.4] Type locality: off Aliguay Island, Philippines Distribution: known only from type locality, dredged 80-200m Size: to 22mm Tectus magnificus Poppe, 2004 [page 41, fig.5] Type locality: off Aliguay Island, Philippines Distribution: known only from type locality, dredged 80-200m Size: to 50+mm Poppe, G. Descriptions of spectacular new species from the Philippines 9Gastropoda – Trochidae, Cypraeidae). Viscaya 1: 419. July Nassaria perlata Poppe & Fraussen, 2004 Type locality: off Aliguay Island, Philippines Distribution: known only from type locality, 80-200m Size: to 31+mm [page 42, fig.1] Poppe, Guido T. & Koen Fraussen. A new species of Nassaria from the Central Philippines. Vesaya 1: 48-50, July Visaya in an ocasional periodical available from Conchology, Inc. (see ad page 70). 27:1:40 Notovoluta gerondiosi Bail & Limpus, 2005 [page 42, fig.2] Type locality: 100 km west of Shark Bay, Western Australia Distribution: central continental shelf from type locality north to off North West Cape Size: adults 80-100mm Bail, Patrice and Allan Limpus. A new species of Volutidae (Gastropoda) from Western Australia. Visaya 3: 47-54. January Engina ignicula Fraussen, 2004 [page 42, fig.3] Type locality: off Richards Bay, Natal, South Africa from stomach of the fish Chrysoblephus puniceus Distribution: known only from off Richards Bay Size: 8mm Frausen, Koen. A new Engina from South Africa (Gastropoda: Buccinidae). Visaya 1: 44-47. July Morula (Habromorula) whiteheadae Houart, 2004 [page 42, fig.4] Type locality: Houtman Abrolhos, Gun Island, West Australia Distribution: from Pelsart Island to North West Cape, West Australia Size: to 44+mm Houart, Roland. Review of the Recent species of Morula (Oppomorus). M. (Azumamorula) and M. (Habromorula) (Gastropoda: Muricidae: Ergalataxinae).: Novapex 5(4): 91-130 Neocancilla rikae de Suduiraut, 2004 Type locality:Balicasag Island, Bohol, Philippines [page 42, fig.5] Distribution: Balicasg, Bohol and Aliguay Island, Mindanau Size: 40 mm De Suduiraut, Emmanuel Guillot. Description d’une nouvelle espece de Mitridae des Philippines Dans le genre Neocancilla (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia: Mitridae). Gloria Maris 43(2-3): 1418 Fusinus rolani Buzzurro & Ovalis, 2005 Type locality: Saronikos Gulf, Greece Distribution: Saronikos Gulf and Kithnos, Greece, 22-36m [page 42, fig.6] Size: under 15mm Buzzurro, G. and P. Ovalis. Fusinus rolani: A New Medeiterranean Species. Triton, 11:1-3. March. Conus (Kermasprella) suduirauti [page 42, fig.7] G. Raybaudi Massilia, 2004 Type locality: Calituban Island, north of Bohol Island, Philippines Distribution: from type locality and Laing Island, near Bogia, Papua New Guinea Size: to 21mm Raybaudi Massilia, Gabriella. An “Old” New Species of Conus from the Philippines.Visaya 1, 2:38-41 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:41 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:42 Of Sea and Shore Alvania annobonensis Rolan, 2004 [page 45, fig.1] Type locality: Isla Tortuga, Annobon, Guinea Equatorial Distribution: known only from Annobon Island Size: approx. 1.5mm Rolan, Emilio. Another new species of Alvania (Mollusca: Rissoidae) from Annobon (Gulf of Guinea, West Africa. Novapex 5(4): 139-141 Chicoreus (Triplex) allaryi [page 45, fig.2] Houart, Quiquandon & Briano, 2004 Type locality: off Cape Sainte Marie, Fort Dauphin, Madagascar Distribution: known only from type locality Size: to 98+mm Houart, Roman, Philippe Quiquandon and Bruno Briano. Description of a new species of Chicorfeus (Triplex) (Gastropoda:Muricidae) from Madagascar. Novapex 5(4): 143-146 Leptochiton (Leptochiton) pepezamorai Zalvide, Urgorri & Garcia, 2004 Type locality: off A Quiniela, Galicia, northwestern Spain, 753-840m Distribution: known only from type locality Size: to 2.5mm [page 45, fig.3] Leptochiton (Leptochiton) troncosoi Zalvide, Urgorri & Garcia, 2004 Type locality: off A Quiniela, Galicia, northwestern Spain, 753-832m Distribution: known only from type locality Size: 8.5mm [page 45, fig.4] Zalvide, Pilar Carmona, Victoriano Urgorri and Francisco J. Garcia. Two new species of Leptochiton Gray, 1847 (Polyplacophora) from the Iberian Peninsula (eastern Atlantic coast). The Nautilus 118(4): 144-151 Diplodonta bogii van Aartsen, 2004 Type locality: Zeit Bay, Egypt [page 45, fig.5] Distribution: Red Sea, Yemen, Mediterranean coast of Israel Size: 10mm van Aartsen, J.J. Diplodonta bogii spec. nov.: a new species from The Red Sea living along the Mediterranean coast of Israel (Bivalvia: Diplodontidae). Basteria, 68 (4-6): 73-76 Calliotropis pulvinaris Vilvens, 2005 Type locality: west Madagascar, 640-660m Distribution: west and northwest coast of Madagascar, 640-800 meters Size: 15-18+mm Pg 47, fig. 1 Vilvens, Claude. Description of Calliotropis pulvinaris new species (Gastropoda: Trochidae: Eycyclinae: Calliotropini) from West Madagascar. The Nautilis 119(1): 50-54. March 27:1:43 Brookula megaumbilicata Absalao & Pimenta, 2004 Page 47, fig. 2 Type locality: off Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil Distribution: 1200m off Rio de Janeiro State Size: 1.5mm Brookula olearia Absalao & Pimenta, 2005 Pg. 47, fig. 3 Type locality: off Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil Distribution: deep water off Rio de J State Size: 1 mm Brookula proseila Absalao & Pimenta, 2005 Pg. 47, Fig. 4 Type locality: off Bahia State, Brazil Distribution: Bahia and Sergipe States, Brazil, 50 to 900 m Size: to 1.91 mm Vetulonia parajeffreysi Absalo & Pimenta, 2005 Pg. 47, fig. 5 Type locality: off Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil Distribution: off R d J State, 1157-1600m Size: 2.8mm high, 3.0mm wide Absalao, Ricardo Silva and Alexandre Dias Pimenta. New Records and New Species of Vetulonia Dall, 1913 and Brookula Iredale, 1912 from Brazil (Gastropoda: Trochidae). The Veliger 47(3): 193-201. March Orbitestella patagonica Simone & Zelaya, 2005 Pg. 47, Fig. 6 Type locality: Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina Distribution: known only from type locality Size: 1.1 mm Simone, Luiz R.L. and Diego G. Zelaya. A New Orbites-tella (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia: Orbitestellidae) from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. The Nautilus 119(1): 160-166. March Akera julieae Vald s & Barwick, 2005 Type locality: SW corner of Santa Catalina Island, California [page 47, fig.7] Distribution: type locality south to Bahia de Salinas, Costa Rica, 1.5-40 meters Size: 2.5 mm (Holotype) Vald s, Angel and Kelvin Barwick. First record of Akera M ller, 1776, from the eastern Pacific, with th description of a new species. The Nautilus 119(1): 43-49. March. Niveria brasilica Fehse & Grego, 2005 Type locality: off Guarapari, Espirito Santo State, Brazil, 33m [page 49, fig.1] Distribution: thus far only type locality Size: about 5mm Of Sea and Shore Pusula macaeica Fehse & Grego, 2005 Type locality: Maca , Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, trawled by shrimp boats, 150m Distribution: thus far only type locality Size: around 10mm [page 49, fig.1a] Dolichupis virgo Fehse & Grego, 2005 Type locality: off Guarapari, Espirito Santo State, Brasil, 33m [page 49, fig.2] Distribution: thus far only type locality Size: about 7mm Fehse, Dirk and Jozef Grego. Contributions to the Knowledge of the Triviidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) X. New TRIVIIDAE from Brazil. Visaya 3: 16-42 (note includes 18 full page color plates) Calyptraea inexpectata Rolan, 2004 Type locality: Ile de Los, Guinea Conakry Distribution: Western Sahara and Mauritania to Benin in depths of 25-53m [page 49, fig.3] Size: up to 12mm Calyptraea africana Rolan, 2004 [page 49, fig.4] Type locality: Luanda, Angola Distribution: west coast of Africa from south of Western Sahara down to Angola Size: up to 35mm in diameter Rolan, Emilio. The genus Calyptraea (Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda, Calyptraeidae) in the East Atlantic. Iberus, 22 (2): 51-79 Volvarina nealei [page 49, fig.5] Wakefield & McCleery, 2004 Type locality: Anchorage Island, Suwarrow, Northern Cook Islands Distribution: known only from type locality Size: to 4.5mm Wakefield, Andrew and Tony McCleery. The genusVolvarina (Gastropoda: Marginellidae) in Polynesia Novapex 5(4): 131-139 Guildfordia superba Poppe, Tagaro & Dekker, 2005 Type locality: Balut Island, Philippines Distribution: known only from type locality Size: Diameter without spines 40+mm, with spines 81+mm [page 49, fig.6] Poppe, Guido T., Sheila Tagaro and Henk Dekker. Discovery of a New Guildfordia (Gastropoda, Turbini-dae) near Balut Island, South of Mindanao, the Philippines. Visaya 3: 4-10. January Olivella (Janaoliva) amoni Sterba & Lorenz, 2005 [page 49, fig.7] Type locality: Lissenung Island, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, 5-64m Distribution: type locality, northern Sulavesi, and Pulau Radja, Indonesia and, possible, New Caledonia Size: up to 4.3mm 27:1:44 Sterba, G nther H. W. and Felix Lorenz. Olivella (Janaoliva) amoni, A new subgenus and species from the Bismark Archipelago and Indonesia (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Olivellidae). Visaya 3: 43-46. January Conus medeoci Lorenz, 2004 [page 49, fig.8] Type locality: Lavonono, Madagascar Distribution: known only from type locality Size: to 60mm Conus chiapponorum Lorenz, 2004 Type locality: between Fort Dauphin and Lavonono, Madagascar [page 49, fig.9] Distribution: known only from the above area Size: to 58+mm Lorenz, Felix. Two New Species of CONIDAE from Southern Madagascar. Visaya 1, No. 2:19-23 Conus vulcanus Tenorio & Afonso, 2004 Type locality: Porto Ferreira, east coast of Boavista, Cape Verde Islands Distribution: north and east coasts of Boavista [page 49, fig.10] Size: to 25+mm Conus crioulus Tenorio & Afonso, 2004 Type locality: Praia Real, north coast of Maio Island, Cape Verde Islands Distribution: found only at type locality Size: to 23mm [page 49, fig.11] Conus claudiae Tenorio & Afonso, 2004 Type locality: Praia Real, north coast of Maio Island, Cape Verde Islands Distribution: north coast of Maio Island Size: to 26mm [page 49, fig.12] Conus isabelarum Tenorio & Afonso, 2004 Type locality: Baia de Pau Seco, west coast of Maio Island, Cape Verde Islands Distribution: from area of type locality Size: to 30mm [page 49, fig.13] Tenorio, Manuel J. and Carlos M. L. Afonso. De-scription of Four New Species of Conus from the Cape Verde islands (Gastropoda, Conidae). Visaya 1, 2: 24-37 Dentiovula lissemungensis Lorenz, 2005 Type locality: Lissenung Island, Kavieng, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea Distribution: type locality, 30-35m Size: to 18+mm [page 49, fig.14] Lorenz, Feloix. A new species of Ovulidae from New Ireland (Gastropoda – Prosobranchia). Visaya 3: 11-15 Visit our website www.ofseaandshore.com for other publications and news Of Sea and Shore 27:1:45 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:46 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:47 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:48 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:49 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:50 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:51 Tom’s Hermit Crab FIG. 9. Nematopagurus ricei n. sp., holotype, male (3.0 mm), BERYX 11 stn DW 18 (MNHN Pg 6118): a, shield and cephalic appendages; b, chela and carpus of right cheliped; c, chela and carpus of left cheliped; d, right second pereopod (lateral view); e, telson. Scales = 1.0 (e) and 2.0 (a-d). In Tropical Deep-Sea Benthos, Volume 23, Bruce A. Marshall and Bertrand Richer de Forges, editors., Publications Scientifiques du Museum, Paris 2004, p151230 Nematopagurus A. Milne-Edwards and Bouvier, 1892 and the descriptions of five new species (Crustacea: Decapoda: Paguridae) Patsy A. McLAUGHLIN Shannon Point Marine Center, Western Washington University, 1900 Shannon Point Road, Anacortes, Washington, 98221-9081B, U.S.A. ABSTRACT The hermit crab genus Nematopagurus, erected by A. Milne-Edwards & Bouvier (1892) for a single Atlantic species, has vastly larger reported representation in the Indo-Pacific region. However, the majority of species have been described on the basis of one or only a few specimens. The Musorstom expeditions to the south central Pacific and Philippine Islands, supplemented by the surveys of the United States Fish Commission steamer Albatross in Hawaiian, Philippine and Japanese waters, have provided not only a substantial amount of new material, but sufficient representation of Continued on page 64 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:52 Trophon geversianus - A Photo Study (See pages 53-57) Trophon geversianus Pallas, 1774 was amongst the first species of mollusks described from the southern tip of the South American continent, the species occurs in both Argentine and Chilean waters; Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. And it occurs from Tierra del Fuego (Fire Land) north to the 45th parallel south. It’s variability is legendary amongst those who collect the mollusks of the area. Helen Racz Lorenz has amassed quite a collection of this species showing all its variations and we are pleased to present here her photographs, including a specimen (112mm!) that far exceeds the published world record size – see T55 and T56 on page 56, from the Pacific coast of Chile. Locality Information: Specimen of note: T2 (page 56) has brachiopods [Magellania venosa] attached; T 56 (page 53, ) northernmost specimen; T59 (page 53) with T. geversianus eggs attached; T57 and 57a (page 53) are a unique color form. And, of course T55 and T56 (page 56) mentioned previously. Figures (“T” not included here): 1, 14, 24, 31, 32, 35, 36, 40, 45 and 49 Trawled, 140 m, Beagle Channel, Argentina Figures: 6, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 20, 22, 26, 27, 28, 34, 37, 38, 41, 43, 44, 46, 47, 53, 54, 63 By divers, to 34 m, off Cabo San Diego, Argentina (South Atlantic Ocean) Figure: 18, by diver, 18 m, Beagle Channel Figures: 23 and 58. Isla Estados, dark chocolate color only from this locality. Figure: 56, Pto. Madryn, Argentina, parallel 40 S., most northerly locality Figures: 5 and 66. Tierra del Fuego, South Atlantic Ocean Figures: 2, 29, 30, 48, 52, 55, 56, 59, 60. Pacific coast, southern Chile (59 by diver at 30 meters) Of Sea and Shore 27:1:53 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:54 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:55 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:56 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:57 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:58 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:59 A NEW CONUS SPECIES FROM THE PHILIPPINES (GASTROPODA – CONIDAE) R. M. Filmer* ABSTRACT: Conus moncuri sp. nov is described and compared with C. litteratus Linnaeus, 1758 and C. leopardus R ding, 1798. Introduction In the last twelve months, the well known, shell dealer Alistair Moncur has obtained seven specimens of an unusual cone. These specimens have come from Filipino divers and sub dealers who have obtained them from locations as far apart as Palawan Island and Bohol Island in the southern Philippines. A question remains as to whether these specimens are indeed a new species in the Genus Conus, a new subspecies or merely a variety. However there seems to be enough evidence to justify new species status.Conus moncuri species novum. Description The holotype, which has been selected from the type material, displays the variations in the colour patterns found in the rest of the type material. The holotype is in The British Museum of Natural History (BMNH), registration number 20050091, it measures 98.5 x 54 mm and weighs 124 grammes. The spire is low with a concave outline, there are five whorls below the badly eroded apex. Despite the erosion of the protoconch the apex is dome shaped. There is a raised ridge or step on the outer side of the latter whorls at the suture. The latter whorls are concave and contain some spiral cords. The off-white ground colour has pink tinges and there are numerous curved axial brown-black strips. The shoulder is relatively angulate. The axial brownblack strips, present on the spire whorls, cross the shoulder. The body whorl is convex just below the shoulder and then straight to the base. The sculpture consists of axial growth marks and some vague well separated spiral grooves near the base. The ground colour is vaguely pink with brown-black squares and flecks in spiral rows. Most of the dorsal side has very few brown-black marks while the ventral side has numerous ones. There are two pale yellowish bands with numerous axial brown-black flecks crossing them. The base is marked with a very distinctive purple-brown stain. The body whorl is smooth and tends to be shiny. The aperture is relatively wide and straight. It is white except for the basal stain described above. The columeIla is rather straight and has only one pleat. The lip is strong and straight and the notch at the spire end is rather shallow. Paratype No..1 is with A. Moncur. It measures 181 x 92 mm and weighs 532 grammes. It is more sparsely marked on the body whorl than is the holotype. There are some narrow pale orange-yellow bands between the two broad bands. There remain touches of a thinnish, yellowish periostracum on the spire whorls. There is a large (49 x 13 mm) elongated ovate operculum. The sides are slightly concave in the middle and there are a number of large repaired breaks on the body whorl. Paratype No.2 is with A. Moncur. It measures 155 x 85 mm and weighs 334 granges. Like the holotype it is more sparsely marked on the dorsal side of the body whorl. There are many large breaks most of which have been filled with a waxy substance by the Filipino provider. Paratype No.3 is in the collection of R.M. Filmer. It measures 145 x 75mm. and weighs 248 grammes. It has more brown-black marks on the dorsal side than the holotype or paratypes 1 & 2 have. It has one large repaired break on the dorsal aide. Paratype No.4 is in The Zoological Museum, University of Amsterdam (ZMUA). It measures 120 x 66 mm. and weighs 190 grammmes. It is full of huge repaired breaks and the dorsal side is partly eroded. The dorsal side has fewer brown-black marks than the ventral side does. Paratype No.5 is with A. Moncur. It measures 110 x 59 mm. and weighs 144 grammes. This is by far the most beautiful specimen of the type lot (another similarly beautiful specimen was disposed of before this description was prepared). There are numerous somewhat irregular brown-black squarish markings on both sides of the body whorl and there is a rich orangeyellow tinge to the body whorl. Unlike the rest of the type material, this specimen has a third orange-yellow band below the shoulder. On the interior side of the spire whorls, the pinkish colour turns to purple. There is one repaired break line near the aperture. There is a cluster of small wormholes on part of the spire. There is clear consistency in the shape, sculpture and colouring of all the type material, all of which has been live collected. The species is very large and rather heavy. It is clear that the larger and presumably older specimens begin to lose their bright colours and brownblack markings especially on the dorsal side as they age Of Sea and Shore The animal was not available for study, as the animals were removed before the shells become available for study. The periostracums were also removed from all the type material, except for a trace found on Paratype No. 1. One operculum was provided with Paratype No. 1 (but it may well have come from another shell). Habitat The true habitat is unknown. According to the provider, Alistair Moncur, the material does not come from tangle nets nor does it come from trawling or dredging. The species was probably obtained by deep diving, using compressors, at 30 to 50 meters. It seems this type of diving is relatively new in The Philippines. This is perhaps the reason these shells have not appeared before. It is apparent from the heavy scaring of nearly all specimens that they live amongst rocks or coral, most likely the former in areas with strong currents. Type locality Precise details of the type locality are not available, but the Holotype and Paratype No. 5 come from off northern Bohol Island in the Philippines. The other paratypes come from Palawan Island and the species is also thought to occur off Samar Island, in fact it is possibly widespread throughout the southern Philippines . 27:1:60 broader. It differs from it in having regular spiral grooves on the spire, which has only very vague sutural ridges and does not have the dome shaped apex. The spiral grooves are almost obsolete at the base. It has a more rounded shoulder and smaller, more regular brownblack spots, these axe usually axially aligned on the body whorl and there are no yellow or orange bands. All white specimens also occur. The aperture and the base are pure white with not a hint of purple brown evident. The lip is thinner. C leopardus lives in sand and weed on large flat areas or reef flats from just below tide level to about 45 meters. It is not subject to rough water and therefore possesses very few break marks. C. eburneus Hwass (in Bruguiere), 1792. This is a much smaller species. It differs from the new species by having a much rounder shoulder, a more convex outline, more pronounced grooves on the spire whorls and at the base of the body whorl, which is pure white. C, eburneus lives in sand or muddy substrate, not amongst rocks. It ocurrs commonly intertidally and down to about 70 meters. It is not subject to rough water and very rarely has break marks. C. virgo Linnaeus, 1758. The only common feature C. virgo has with the new species is its pronounced purple base stain. Otherwise it has no brown or black markings, it is more elongated and has a course surface. C. virgo lives in sand and rubble from less than a meter to about 15 meters. Comparison Summary There are only four species with which it is appropriate to compare the new species, all four occur in the same Philippine waters. They are: C. litteratus Linnaeus, 1758. This is definitely the closest to the new species. It differs by having much more regular and even dark brown-black squarish marks on the body whorl, which are always present on both the dorsal and ventral sides. (The author has never seen a specimen of C. litteratus lacking the marks.) Although the aperture is usually white, on a few specimens a tinge of dark purplish-brown appears on the base, but can only be seen on the external aspect and on the edge of the lip, never within the aperture. The spire is lower and is straight rather than concave in outline. The apex is not dome shaped and there are no sutural ridges. C. litteratus is broader at the shoulder than the new species arid very rarely grows to anything like the new species. C. litteratus is most often found in very shallow water although it also occurs down to 60 meters. It lives in sand and weed or in coral rubble and silt, but not Amongst rocks and is almost never subject to rough water and consequent breaks. C. leopardus R ding, 1798. This species approaches the new species in size, but is heavier and slightly All four of the above species are common throughout the Indo-Pacific and are very well known and established species. In C. moncuri, C. litteratus, C. leopardus and C. virgo the early whorls and protoconch are nearly always heavily eroded; only in C. eburneus is this not so. In summary the five most distinguishing features of the new species are: the large size, the slightly more slender shape, the very pronounced purple-brown basal stain, the sutural ridge on the spire whorls, the dome like apex and its probable rocky and turbulent habitat. There are precedents, in at least two cases, to distinguishing species by the presence of a strong basal stain alone. Firstly C. virgo Linnaeus, 1758 and C. coelinae Crosse, 1858 and secondly C. ferrugineus Hwass, 1792 and C. planorbis Born, 1778. In these examples specimens can sometimes only be separated by the basal stain . Table 1 contains data on dimensions and weight of the three main species C. moncuri, C. lltteratus and C. leapaxdus. The specimens if the latter two species were chosen as they represent these species well. From the data included it is clear that the new species is the largest, lightest in weight and most slender of the three, while C. leoparaus is the heaviest. Of Sea and Shore 27:1:61 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:62 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:63 Table 2 - contains comparative data on C. moncuri, C. litteratus and C. leopardus. Graph 1 displays the comparative size of C, moncuri, C. leopardus and C. litteratus. See page 61. Graph 2 displays the comparative size versus weight of the same three species. See to right. Plate 1 (page 58) displays the Holotype of C. moncuri. Plate 2 (page 61) displays the paratypes of C. moncuri. Plate 3 (page 62) displays a comparison of C. moncuri with C. litteratus and C. leopardus. Etymology The species is named after Alistair Moncur, who first brought this new species to the attention of the author. Acknowledgements. Thanks are due to Alistair Moncur for providing the material and for much good advice and assistance. Thanks are also due to Robert Moolenbeek (ZMUA) for reviewing the manuscript and giving his advice. Finally special thanks are due to William Moncur of Camberley, United Kingdom, for the photography. References. Hwass C.H. (in Bruguiere), 1792 Encyclopedia et Methodique, Histoire Naturelle des Vers 1 (2). Linnaeus (Linne), C. von. 1758 Systema Naturae per Regna Tria Naturae 10th edition. D. R ckel, W. Korn & A.J. Kohn, 1995 Manual of the Living Conidae, volume 1: Indo-Pacific Region. R ding, P. F. 1798 Museum Boltenianum 2, I-VIII. Springsteen F.J. & Leobrera F.M. 1986 Shells of the Philippines. * R. M. Filmer, Winterbourne House, Chobham Surrey. OU24 8AL England, Visit our website www.ofseaandshore.com for other publications and news Of Sea and Shore 27:1:64 Continued from page 51 most described species to permit the evaluation of intraspecific morphological variation. As a result, although five new species have been recognized, three recently described species have proven to be junior synonyms of previously known, but poorly represented, species. Nematopagurus holthuisi McLaughlin & Hogarth and N. pilosus Komai are synonymous with N. gardineri Alcock, while N. shinnyoae Komai is synonymous with N. kosiensis McLaughlin. The range of N. diadema Lewinsohn, reported previously from the Red Sea, the eastern coast of South Africa, and the South China Sea, has been extended to Fiji, while that of N. meiringae McLaughlin, known from eastern South Africa and the South and East China Seas, has been extended to the Philippine Islands. Nematopagurus kosiensis McLaughlin, previously known only from eastern South Africa has been found not only in Japanese waters, but also as far east as the Hawaiian Islands. Species identified by several authors as N. squamichelis Alcock and N. muricatus (Henderson) have been reexamined and correctly reassigned to other taxa. Descriptions and illustrations are presented for all species, together with a key for their recognition. Nematopagurus ricei n. sp. ETYMOLOGY.It is a pleasure to dedicate this species to Thomas C. Rice, internationally recognized malacologist, and founder of the Pacific Northwest Shell Club of Seattle, Washington, and the Of Sea and Shore Museum in Port Gamble, Washington. He is also the publisher of the popular of Sea and Shore Magazine, and has been instrumental in attracting students to marine biology for many years. Tell our advertisers you saw their ad in Of Sea and Shore 27:1:65 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:66 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:67 A LITTLE KNOWN HALIOTIS SUBSPECIES FROM MAGDALENA BAY, LOWER CALIFORNIA, MEXICO: A RE-EXAMINATION AND PHOTO STUDY OF H. FULGENS TURVERI BARTSCH, 1942. Buzz Owen P.O. Box 601 Gualala, Calif. 95445 [email protected] Haliotis fulgens turveri Bartsch, 1942 ABSTRACT MATERIAL EXAMINED: Sixteen specimens of H. fulgens turveri, a poorly-known and somewhat contentious ssp. of H. fulgens Philippi, 1845, are illustrated with highresolution color photography. Several specimens of H. fulgens fulgens and H. fulgens guadalupensis Talmadge, 1964, are illustrated for comparison. Factors for the justification/validity of the ssp. including its different shell morphology and isolation from the nominate race are presented. 1) Haliotis fulgens turveri The earliest material examined for this study consisted of approximately 220 specimens obtained from a number of sources between 1954 and 1959. An additional group of approximately 125 specimens were retrieved in 1995-1996 from small curio stores in Cabo San Lucas, at the southern tip of Lower California, Mexico. Finally, in 1999, approximately 650 specimens were obtained from the small commercial fishery at Santa Margarita Island at the south end of Magdalena Bay. These latter specimens were obtained by Abel Serrano, a Mexican fisheries biologist, packed in heavy burlap bags tied closed with sisal twine, and brought directly to Ensenada from Magdalena Bay. 2) Haliotis fulgens fulgens. Several hundred thousand specimens of the nominate race have been examined between 1949 and 2003. These specimens represent populations found between Punta Abreojos, Lower California, Mexico, and Santa Rosa Island, California. 3) Haliotis fulgens guadalupensis. Approximately 1500 specimens of this ssp., which is endemic to Guadalupe Is., Lower California, Mexico, have been studied between 1964 and 2003. The locality data for all specimens of both H. fulgens turveri and H. fulgens guadalupensis is very accurate, as is a large percentage of the H. fulgens fulgens included in this study. Shell specimens used for the photo plates were selected to show excellent details of sculpture, and then cleaned with a hand wire brush and an X-Acto knife. Photography was accomplished with a Canon A70 digital camera, and the resultant images processed with an iMac computer using Adobe Photoshop version 8. INTRODUCTION Seven species of Haliotis are known to occur on the Pacific Coast of North America. In addition, five ssp. have been described – only one of which has received much attention in the literature and is widely considered valid; H. kamtschatkana assimilis Dall, 1878, which occurs from central California to northern Lower California, Mexico. This will be the third in a series of papers treating the ssp. found on the west coast of Lower California, Mexico. Two earlier papers dealt with two of the three ssp. endemic to one of its offshore islands; Isla Guadalupe (Owen, 2003; 2004). The present work will focus on H. fulgens turveri, a form that is almost unknown in collections and whose validity has been questioned; Talmadge (1964) considering it valid, and Geiger (1998) and Geiger and Poppe (2000) treating it as a synonym of H. fulgens. The ssp. occurs at the extreme southern point in the distribution of H. fulgens on the Pacific Coast: Magdalena Bay (Bahia Magdalena) to Punta Conejo, Lower California, Mexico. Long-term field observations by biologists and workers in Mexican commercial abalone fisheries (Fed. Reg. de. Sociedades Cooperativas de la Industria Pesquera Baja California, F.C.L.) demonstrate this small population of H. fulgens as being isolated from contact with the closest population further north (at Punta Abreojos) by >200 km (F. Fonseca; A. Serrano, pers. comm.) MATERIAL AND METHODS Abbreviations of Collections: BOC: Buzz Owen Collection. RESULTS As this extremely large amount of material from Magdalena Bay was being examined to select specimens that exhibited good detail for photography, a number of differences in shell morphology became apparent when comparisons were made to specimens of H. fulgens fulgens and H. fulgens guadalupensis: 1) The very strong, deep, and often extremely wide, spiral ribbing of the Magdalena Bay shells was perhaps most noticeable. Typical specimens of H. f. Of Sea and Shore 27:1:68 fulgens and H. fulgens guadalupensis have narrower ribbing which is not as deep or pronounced. 2) The shells of H. fulgens turveri tend to be thinner, with the spiral ribbing being very pronounced when viewed from the ventral side. 3) Frequently, younger specimens of H. fulgens turveri exhibit a highly silvered, nacreous interior compared to H. f. fulgens and H. fulgens guadalupensis, Also, in H. fulgens turveri, the muscle scar often doesn’t begin until the shell is much more mature. 4) In fairly mature specimens of H. fulgens turveri, the muscle scar often tends to have more “clumping” of patchy, nacreous material, than the more “flowing” linear pattern found in the area of attachment of the other two ssp. (Plates 1 and 2). These differences become more apparent in direct proportion to the size of the study group being examined. When over 500 specimens of each of the three ssp. are available for study, the differences in the isolated Magdalena Bay population become very clear and obvious. DISCUSSION The examination of this large amount of material took place over a period of >40 years, with the differences in the extreme southern population becoming more convincing and distinct as time passed and greater amounts of material became available for study. Of particular interest were the comparisons made between the Santa Margarita Island/Magdalena Bay (H. fulgens turveri) population and the large number of H. f. fulgens taken at Punta Abreojos, the first point to the north of Magdalena Bay where Haliotis reappear (after a gap in distribution of >200 km). The Punta Abreojos specimens are easily separated from the Magdalena Bay shells, and are as different as populations found much further north (i.e. Bahia Tortugas and Cedros Island, Lower California). Careful study of these mainland and near-shore coastal islands populations, (not including Guadalupe Island), suggests they differ greater morphologically from H. fulgens turveri than they do from H. fulgens guadalupensis. Stated differently, H. fulgens turveri is the most different in shell morphology of the three ssp. The isolation of this small population near the southern tip of Lower California, Mexico, plus its very different shell morphology from populations existing further north, strongly support the validation of this subspecies. A final thought: As a point of interest, conversations with Mexican fisheries officials and commercial abalone divers extremely familiar with the distribution of West Coast Haliotis species in Lower California, Mexico, have revealed that the furthest south Haliotis occur in North America is the very tiny population of H. fulgens turveri that exists at Punta Conejo, a miniscule point of rock about 80 km south of the southern extreme point of Magdalena Bay. A specimen from this population is illustrated (Plate 1A: from Biol. Francisco Fonseca). The spiral ribbing on this specimen is extremely strong and deep, though not particularly wide. It has the highly silvered, interior nacre common to the ssp., and the odd, rather pronounced semi-translucent “orange” dorsal color peculiar to occasional specimens of H. fulgens turveri - not to be confused with a more brownish-orange, NON-translucent color found in some specimens of the other two ssp. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank David Leighton, Stephen Browning, and Tom Grace, for reviewing the manuscript and offering useful comments and suggestions. I also wish to thank Francisco Fonseca and Abel P rez Serrano for their invaluable help in obtaining specimens from Magdalena Bay, and for sharing their knowledge of extreme southern populations of H. fulgens with me. LITERATURE CITED Bartsch, Paul. 1942. A New Subspecies of Haliotis (H. fulgens turveri). The Nautilus 56:57. Geiger, D. L. 1998. Recent Genera and Species of the Family Haliotidae Rafinesque, 1815 (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda). The Nautilus 111:85-116. Geiger, D. L. and G. T. Poppe. 2000. Family Haliotidae. In: Poppe, G.T. and Groh, K. (Eds). A Conchological Iconography. Conchbooks, Hackenheim, Germany. 135pp, 83pls. Owen, Buzz 2003. The Haliotis Subspecies Endemic to Guadalupe Island, Lower California, Mexico: A Re-examination and Photo Study – Part 1: Haliotis corrugata oweni Talmadge, 1966. Of Sea and Shore. 25:4:272-275, 288; 2 pl. Owen, Buzz. 2004. The Haliotis Subspecies Endemic to Guadalupe Island, Lower California, Mexico: A Re-examination and Photo Study – Part 2: Haliotis cracherodii californiensis Swainson, 1822. ibid. 26:1:70-75; 3 pl. Talmadge, R. R. 1964. The Races of Haliotis fulgens Philippi (Mollusca: Gastropoda) Transactions of the San Diego Society of Natural History. Vol. 13, No. 18, pp. 369-376. Talmadge, R. R. 1966. A New Haliotid from Guadalupe Island, Mexico (Mollusca:Gastropoda). Los Angeles County Museum Contributions in Science No. 9: 5 pp., 2 Fig. Of Sea and Shore 27:1:69 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:70 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:71 Of Sea and Shore 27:1:72