Gelagna succincta (Linnaeus, 1771)
Clandestine triton, 73mm

Gelagna succincta is uncommon in the Marshalls, found mostly on lagoon pinnacles and sometimes interisland lagoon reefs, usually under rocks at depths of 3 to 16m. They are often very hard to recognize due to the dense, long paddles of soft periostracum that cover the shell. For a long time, this species was known as Cymatium clandestinum (hence the common name), which is appropriate since the shell is usually so well hidden. It turned out, though, that the name succincta had been given to this shell earlier, and therefore takes precedence.

Occasionally the periostracum wears away in spots.

The one below is on its egg mass.

A large specimen had a much smaller one holding onto its shell, mostly hidden in the fluffy periostracum.

Created 5 August 2010
Updated 23 May 2022

Return to triton list

Kwajalein Underwater home