Edmunds, M. (1963). Berthelinia caribbea n. sp., a bivalved gastropod from the West Atlantic. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 44: 731-739.

285957

Edmunds, M.

1963

44: 731-739

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Berthelinia caribbea n. sp. is described from the alga Caulerpa verticillata growing in the mangrove swamps near Port Royal, Jamaica. The most important characters which distinguish it from related species are the position of the protoconch at two-thirds of the shell length; the straight hinge with well developed hinge teeth; the white ligament; yellow shell rays; brown stripes on the head and mantle; the heart shaped pharyngeal bulb with a dorsal pouch; entire, denticulate radular teeth; the concentrated nervous system; and the ampulla divided into two parts. The resemblance to Anomalomya corrugata Cossmann is discussed, but it is concluded that, for the present, caribbea should remain in the genus Berthelinia. It appears to feed entirely on C. verticillata to which it remains attached by a byssus-like thread even when the valves are closed. When irritated, it secretes a white fluid from the hypobranchial gland, but the deterrent value of this to potential predators is not known. B. caribbea may be able to survive in brackish water, although the evidence for this is inconclusive.

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