Euprotomus aurisdianae

Shell description

The maximum shell length of this species is up to 90 mm, but it more commonly grows to 70 mm in size.

Euprotomus aurisdianae has a thick and solid shell which has a nearly elliptical contour. The shell has a high pointed spire and an irregular body whorl, ornamented with large knobs and easily distinguishable and divergent ridges. The flaring outer lip has a characteristic posterior expansion, with an aspect similar to that of a spine, that extends itself posteriorly as far as half the length of the apex. Liration is present near the anterior and posterior ends of the outer lip. The inner lip is smooth with a thin callus. The siphonal canal is strongly bent, and the stromboid notch is deep, easily distinguishable.

The shell color can vary from dull cream to pale grey, with irregular darker spots and lines. The ventral callus and inner lip are commonly glossy white. The aperture is rich orange or pink interiorly, and becomes paler towards the outer lip margin.

Distribution

This species occurs in the West Pacific, from Japan in the north to northern Queensland, Australia in the south. The species Euprotomus aurora, long confused with E. aurisdianae, replaces this species in the Indian Ocean.

Ecology

Habitat

Euprotomus aurisdianae is known to live in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. It dwells in shallow water coral reef areas, such as coral sand, grassy sand flats and dead coral, to a maximum depth of around 10 m.

Feeding

This species is known to be a herbivore.

Human uses

This sea snail is generally collected for food wherever it is abundant. The shell of Euprotomus aurisdianae is commonly used in shellcraft, and is sold in local markets in the central and northern Philippines.

References

References

1. Poutiers, J. M. (1998). Gastropods in: '''FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes: The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific Volume 1.''' Seaweeds, corals, bivalves and gastropods. Rome, FAO, 1998. page 469.
2. {{WRMS species. 564720. ''Euprotomus aurisdianae'' Linnaeus, 1758. 23 March 2011
3. (12 December 2002). "Revision of ''Euprotomus'' Gill, 1870. 3. Description of ''Euprotomus aurora'' spec. nov. from the Indian Ocean (Gastropoda, Strombidae).". Vita Malacologica.