Calliostoma javanicum (Lamarck, 1822) CALLIOSTOMATIDAE -30~50m, By traps, Martinique Island, 26.6mm, F++ The Chocolate-lined Top is an extremely lovely and attractive calliostomatid ranging from Florida, USA to Brazil. A common herbivorous gastropod and algae grazer, it is usually found in shallow water around -1~40m deep; although it has also been recorded at nearly -100m deep. It is quite a variable species, the shell helight to width ratio vary from specimen to specimen so some are conical while others are quite broad; the strength of protuberance around the suture line also vary. Intensity of the characteristic chocolate-coloured lines also vary greatly and some specimens almost lack it; beautious specimens are uncommon. It is quite prone to growth lines. Typical shell length around 25mm, very large specimens may exceed 35mm.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Jun 2014 23:03:50 +0000