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Landsnail
Strombus vomer vomer Röding, 1798: A specimen from the dredge site measured 80mm x 40mm, and was sculptured with 52 labial
lirae and 8 anterior columellar lirae. A specimen from Vavalu measured 79mm x 46mm and had 55 labial and 12 columellar lirae;
another specimen is in H.C. Gay's collection.
Strombus epidromis Linnaeus, 1758: The single specimen collected by Mr. Gay measured 65mm x 38mm, and the outer lip was not
fully mature.
Strombus fragilis Röding, 1798: 24 specimens were ound at the dredge-site, and sizes ranged from 38mm - 50mm.
Strombus rugosus Sowerby, 1825: Recently collected specimens confirm Schmeltz's 1874 record from Tonga; the largest specimen
measured 44mm.
Strombus latissimus Linnaeus, 1758: According to Mr. Gay, this species is occasionally collected in Tonga.
Before any positive conclusions could be drawn, a return visit to the area which produced the shells had to be made and
additional specimens would have to be observed. The first visit almost ended in disaster! In the excitement and speculation
of what may be on the bottom, I failed to notice that a very strong current was running, one of those little mistakes that
often lead to dire consequences. Before Betsy and I were five feet below the surface we were a hundred feet behind the boat!
We were fortunate to make it to the bottom and work back to the anchor by clawing our way across the coral. If forced to ride
the current out, our first possible point of leaving the water would have been Diamond Head, beyond that…?!! An ominous
reminder that we must never be careless with the sea. Several fine Mitra species were found on this dive but not a sign of
the Strombus hawaiensis could be seen.
However, the second dive on the following day produced the desired results. A third specimen was found seconds before the
expiration of allowable bottom time. This shell, again found by Betsy, was as much more perfect and beautiful than mine as
mine had been better than hers the week before. The specimen was well developed, being quite heavy and thick. Its coloration
was surely the finest attainable in the species. It was certainly the perfect shell. An interesting sidelight was the
discovery of a large piece of a Conus bullatus near the anchor line. Doubtlessly we had solved the mystery surrounding the
exotic Philippine Strombus as to its habitat. Population density, however, was still anyone's guess.
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