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
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