| Euprotomus aurisdianae | |
|---|---|
| The shell of Euprotomus aurisdianae | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| (unranked): | clade Caenogastropoda clade Hypsogastropoda clade Littorinimorpha |
| Superfamily: | Stromboidea |
| Family: | Strombidae |
| Genus: | Euprotomus |
| Species: | E. aurisdianae |
| Binomial name | |
| Euprotomus aurisdianae (Linnaeus, 1758) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Euprotomus aurisdianae, common name the Diana conch, is a species of small to medium sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Strombidae, the true conchs.
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The maximum shell length of this species is up to 90 mm, commonly to 70 mm.[1]
Euprotomus aurisdianae has a thick and solid shell with a near elliptical contour. It has a high pointed spire and an irregular body whorl, ornamented with large knobs and easily distinguishable and divergent ridges. The flaring outer lip has a characteristic posterior expansion, with an aspect similar to that of a spine, that extends itself posteriorly as far as half the length of the apex. Liration is present near the anterior and posterior ends of the outer lip. The inner lip is smooth with a thin callus. The siphonal canal is strongly bent,[1] and the stromboid notch is deep, easily distinguishable.
The shell color can vary from dull cream to pale grey, with irregular darker spots and lines. The ventral callus and inner lip are commonly glossy white. The aperture is rich orange or pink interiorly, and becomes paler towards the outer lip margin.[1]
This species is widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, from central East Africa (including Aldabra, Madagascar, Tanzania and the Red Sea), to the north to Japan and south to northern Queensland, Australia.564720 Euprotomus aurisdianae Linnaeus, 1758. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=564720 on 23 March 2011.</ref>[1]
Euprotomus aurisdianae is known to live in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. It dwells in shallow water coral reef areas, such as coral sand, grassy sand flats and dead coral, to a maximum depth of around 10 m.[1]
This species is known to be a herbivore.
This sea snail is frequently collected for food wherever it is abundant. The shell of Euprotomus aurisdianae is commonly used in shellcraft, and is sold in local markets of the central and northern Philippines.[1]