| Size under dissecting microscope: 150µm Size under compound microscope: 140-150µm |
| Morphology: Gorgoleptis spiralis 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 spiralis in size and sculpture, but the scallops are not preserved in post-larval specimens, making the identification somewhat tentative. |
| Frequency: Pump EPR 1999-2000: Frequent Pump EPR 2004: Frequent Trap EPR 2004-2005: Frequent |
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Gorgoleptis emarginatus strongly resembles G. spiralis in everything but size; G. spiralis is about 30µm smaller. In the lower thumbnail comparing the two species, G. spiralis is on the right. |
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Gorgoleptis sp. 3. This presumed Gorgoleptis species is also about 30-35µm larger than G. spiralis. The point at the outer edge of the aperture is more pronounced in this group, it lacks the side points and is much less common. |
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Clypeosectus delectus (right) and pointy apex. These two morphotypes are in the same size range as the Gorgoleptis species, C. delectus being about 25µm and pointy apex about 10µm larger than G. spiralis. The sculpture is also very similar, but in these species the aperture is nearly straight, rather than scalloped. |
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