Dear Harry  & All,

Astralium provisorium Schepman, 1908


Probably described from Indonesia or near to the Philippines as the
Siboga almost touched Tawi-Tawi Island, southern Philippines.
Alf & Kreipl found out this synonym when writing their chapter in the
upcoming book on Philippine shells, but are not yet very sure. I
think they are right and this is the first name for this Astralium.

In the Philippines, one can dive, but very seldom, a specimen from 15
m on on the Caubian reef, Olango or Mactan Island. The big majority
of shells known come from that area. The species prefers a gravel
bottom or flat areas on the drop-offs,  swept with strong currents -
see Andol Point on Caubian reef - a typical habitat. From where the
heavy strong shell.

The shell shown on the image is highly selected and an uncommon color
form: most shells are pinkish colored all over, or pink and white.
When found alive the shells are completely covered with chalk and
they take a lot of cleaning, the last phase is in general a dip in
acids to remove the micro-traces of dirt, which gives many specimen a
slightly glossy "overcleaned" look.

Guido
Outside it's very cold and temperature going down, reaching almost
the zero.
All slugs are deep in the ground here.

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