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Additional Photos
young
shell
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GALLERY
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Hydatina amplustre (Linnaeus, 1758)
Maximum size: 50 mm
(extrapolated from shell length); most smaller.
Identification:
This
species is easily recognized by its thin, strongly inflated shell
marked with broad flesh-colored bands outlined in black. The animal is
translucent cream.
Natural history:
Hydatina amplustre
is a moderately common species in mixed habitats at protected to
moderately exposed sites. The animals are nocturnal, burying themselves
in sand during the day (often under cobbles). It is found from the low
intertidal to depths of 1-2 m (3-6 ft). It feeds on polychaete worms
(Kay,
1979) and lays a convoluted, cream egg mass attached by a mucus thread.
Distribution:
Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai and French Frigate Shoals:
widely distributed in the
Indo-Pacific.
Taxonomic notes:
It
is referred to as the "swollen bubble shell" in Hoover, 1998 &
2006. The live photo in Severns, 2011 was flipped, reversing the apparent direction of coiling.
Photo: CP:
Hekili Point, Maui; Nov. 5, 2002.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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