Melanochlamys cylindrica

Melanochlamys cylindrica is a species of bubble snail in the family Aglajidae. It is endemic to New Zealand.[2]

Melanochlamys cylindrica
In Pahurehure Inlet near Auckland
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Cephalaspidea
Family: Aglajidae
Genus: Melanochlamys
Species:
M. cylindrica
Binomial name
Melanochlamys cylindrica
The internal shell structure

Distribution and habitat

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M. cylindrica is found on the coast of New Zealand's North and South Islands. It is absent from the Three Kings Islands/Manawatāwhi due to a lack of suitable habitat.[3]

Description

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Adults are between 15 and 25 mm in length but may reach a maximum size of 30 mm.[3] Body is long and cylindrical in shape with a uniformly black colour that may feature an iridescent blue sheen.[4] The head shield is rounded with an indentation that may resemble two 'tails'.[3] The parapodia are small and held tightly against sides of body.[3] A large muscular mouth part (known as the buccal bulb) is contained in the anterior half of the body cavity.[4]

Shell

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This species has a smaller than usual internal shell that is 6 mm long and 5 mm wide. The shell is ear-shaped without formed whorls. It is heavily calcified and contained within the posterior part of the body.[5][6]

Behaviour and diet

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M. cylindrica is most commonly found in the mid-intertidal zone in algal turf and on rock platforms.[4] It may also be found down in shallow sub-tidal area.[3]

It feeds on polychaete worms including bristle worms and round worms by "rapidly sucking them in like a piece of spaghetti" which are then broken apart by a muscular gizzard.[3][4]

References

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  1. ^ Cheeseman, T. F. (1881). "On a new genus of opisthobranchiate Mollusca". Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute. 13: 224. ISSN 1176-6158. Wikidata Q115566365.
  2. ^ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Melanochlamys Cheeseman, 1881". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2020-10-21.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Super Sea Slugs". NIWA. 2020-10-19. Retrieved 2020-10-21.
  4. ^ a b c d Rudman, W. B. (2010-07-15). "The Sea Slug Forum - Melanochlamys cylindrica". www.seaslugforum.net. Retrieved 2020-10-21.
  5. ^ "NZ Mollusca - Melanochlamys cylindrica". www.mollusca.co.nz. Retrieved 2020-10-21.
  6. ^ Shell of Melanochlamys cylindrica, Bill Rudman (2010-06-09). "The Sea Slug Forum - Melanochlamys cylindrica". www.seaslugforum.net. Retrieved 2020-10-21.
  • Spencer, H.G., Marshall, B.A. & Willan, R.C. (2009). Checklist of New Zealand living Mollusca. pp 196–219. in: Gordon, D.P. (ed.) New Zealand inventory of biodiversity. Volume one. Kingdom Animalia: Radiata, Lophotrochozoa, Deuterostomia. Canterbury University Press, Christchurch
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