Hi David,
That area on Utila slopes to 35 ft to a reef head then abruptly drops to 120
ft. Although the specimen I found was crabbed, others found them live there.
This is the protected side of the Island. Although still rarely found, I have
spoken with others who have found them in shallow waters around the Caribbean.
As for Cypraecassis testiculus, I have found them live in as little as 3 ft of
water on the north shore of Utila, which is the side exposed to the open
Caribbean. This shore is "Iron Shore" i.e. - hard bottom from a lava flow, and
is not much there except lots of rocks with minor growths on then. Found along
with them in abundance was extremely large Conus regius citrinus. I also found
C.t. at about 28 ft in Belize, and 65 ft at the Flower Garden and Stetson Banks
off Texas (80-120 mi out).
To mention another shell that fit a similar profile... Morum oniscus is also
found in shallow water around Utila and Roatan. Out at the keys of Utila (a few
hundred yards away) Morum oniscus strombiformis is common living in the coral
rubble around the shore pilings. Morum oniscus pupurescens is found living on
the outer reef tops in 20-40 ft, while Morum oniscus oniscus seems to be found
on coral rubble in the grasses in 5 to 40 ft.
I guess all this said, shells live where they want to. It is probably more
related to food source than depth or even the particulars (as it relates to
them) of the habitat. ... I hope this trivia is useful.
Leslie
----------------
Hi Leslie,
Thanks for your response.
If you found C. ponderosa in 25 feet of water, I suppose it's not such a stretch
that one might occasionally be tossed up in a storm. Was your Utila specimen live?
It was amusing that almost all of the several Cypraecassis testiculus were lying
on the leeward limit of the exposed reef at Tobacco Caye. I guess they were just
the right shape and weight to be unable to remain closer to the windward side.
David
----------------
Hello David
I have collected Casmaria ponderosa atlantica in 25 ft on Isla Utila in
Honduras, west side of the bay, in the grasses, along with coral rubble.
Casmaria s.s. by it's nature are variable, including C. atlantica. I have seen
them with heavy shells to extremely light and dwarf as is mine. With little
coloring to almost brown, from smooth to heavily spined on the lip, and spots
and patterns are really irrelevant. I have hundreds of C. erinaceous &
ponderosa varieties in my collection that illustrate this.
What I don't remember anymore are the differences between C. ponderosa complex
and the members of the C. erinaceous complex (i.e. vibex's)
Leslie
----------------
Hi David,
the spiral row of spots is the typical pattern for atlantica, but it is quite
variable. In fact, there are specimens e.g. from the Bahamas that cannot be
distinguished from Casmaria ponderosa nipponensis (supposed to be an indopacific
species).The other extreme are specimens with a rather pale coloration, with a
touch of mauve and almost no spots. Maybe you can share a picture?
Compared to the other species of Casmaria, atlantica seems to prefer depths from
80 to 200 feet. At least I haven't heard of any been seen at minus tides or just
a couple of feet. As you asked directly for diving experience I should add that
these data don't come from diving experience but from the specimens in my
collection.
Hope this helps,
Tilo
----------------
Listers,
Anyone encounter Casmaria ponderosa atlantica? While diving or on the beach? I
found one on the edge of the exposed reef in Belize. There is no spiral row of
brown spots on this one.
David
Kirsh
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
