GORGING ON GORGONIANS

GORGING ON GORGONIANS

by | Jul 6, 2014 | Insights, Sea Shells

Cuspivolva platysia (Cate, 1973) Above: The allied cowrie Cuspivolva platysia displaying the warning colouration on its host the gorgonian octocoral Euplexaura sp. and its black siphon in 6 metres of water in the Mooloolah River, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast,...
A PLAIN SHELL BUT AN AMAZING MANTLE

A PLAIN SHELL BUT AN AMAZING MANTLE

by | Dec 26, 2013 | Insights, Sea Shells

Diminovula aurantiomacula Cate & Azuma in Cate, 1973 Above: The tiny and elegant allied cowrie Diminovula aurantiomacula showing the features of both the shell and the mantle as it feeds upon the polyps of its soft coral host in 14 metres of water on the Arkwright...
DUPLICITY

DUPLICITY

by | Mar 4, 2013 | Insights, Sea Shells

Ovula ovum (Linnaeus, 1758) Above: A juvenile Ovula ovum looking very much like a toxic nudibranch as it makes a meal of the soft coral colony upon which it resides. Old Woman Island, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. (25 mm) Ovula ovum (Linnaeus, 1758) Common...
DEADLIEST CONE SHELL

DEADLIEST CONE SHELL

by | Jan 15, 2013 | Insights, Sea Shells

Conus geographus Linnaeus, 1758 Above: Two Conus geographus facing off both having their rhynchodaeum deployed. This is an exhibition of unusual behaviour. It could be a display of aggression, a prelude to mating or a territorial warning. Atypically they were also...