Lamellaria sp ID

Leslie,

Here's another one for you.

I photographed this today in West Palm Beach, FL.

The animal was approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter and was found under a rock.

Is this a Lamellaria sp?

Thanks, Anne

You have the best eye for small stuff, Anne. I never would have guessed this was anything but a sessile sponge or tunicate.

You're right. Even though the cephalic tentacles aren't visible it clearly has the characteristic anterior siphon (inhalent). Many lamellarids look just like their food so this one must feed on sponges or tunicates judging by the ornamentation of the mantle.

I wonder how many of the lamellarids in your area are known only by their shells or if the appearance of the living animals is also known. Do you need another project?

You have the best eye for small stuff, Anne. I never would have guessed this was anything but a sessile sponge or tunicate.

 

You're right. Even though the cephalic tentacles aren't visible it clearly has the characteristic anterior siphon (inhalent). Many lamellarids look just like their food so this one must feed on sponges or tunicates judging by the ornamentation of the mantle.

 

I wonder how many of the lamellarids in your area are known only by their shells or if the appearance of the living animals is also known. Do you need another project?

Thanks Leslie,

(Don't tell Angel that my eye is wandering from sea slugs to snails!)

This is the third Lamellaria I have found this summer. I will send them to you at the museum for your vast collection of photographs. Cheers, Anne

Thanks for the images. I hear Angel is happy & doing well at his new job. He shows up at the museum every so often to continue his research. Enjoy your winter in the Bahamas!