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Protoconch SEM Fig. 2 Mullineaux et al. (1996)
| Size under dissecting microscope: 180µm Size under compound microscope: 175µm |
| Morphology: Gorgoleptis emarginatus is one of three presumed Gorgoleptis morphs we find in plankton samples at 9N. It has coarse pitted sculpture in rows that follow the curve of the shell. The most distinctive feature of these protoconchs is the scalloped edges of the aperture, with sharp points at the anterior edge and on either side. There is a narrow aperture rim, tapering toward the posterior edge. The protoconch matches that of Gorgoleptis emarginatus in size and sculpture, but the scallops are not preserved in post-larval specimens, making the identification somewhat tentative. |
| Frequency: Pump EPR 1999-2000: Occasional Pump EPR 2004: Frequent Trap EPR 2004-2005: Frequent |
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Gorgoleptis spiralis is the most similar protoconch to G. emarginatus. In general appearance and sculpture the two are nearly identical, but G. spiralis is about 30µm smaller. The lower picture illustrates the difference; G. emarginatus is on the left. |
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Gorgoleptis sp. 3 is approximately the same size as G. emarginatus, with similar sculpture. It has a more pronounced point at the outer edge of the aperture and lacks the side points. It is also much less common. |
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Clypeosectus delectus (right) and pointy apex are similar in size and sculpture to the Gorgoleptis species. The main difference is in the shape of the aperture: all the Gorgoleptis species have at least one sharp point, whereas in the other species it is nearly straight. |
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