| Neolepetopsis sp. Four species – Neolepetopsis densata, N. gordensis, N. occulata and N. verruca - described by McLean, 1990. Family Neolepetopsidae. | |
| Size under dissecting microscope: 260µm Size under compound microscope: 240µm |
| Morphology: This protoconch is moderately large and has fine pitted sculpture over the entire surface, giving it a grainy appearance under the light microscope. It is flattened, so it will generally be found lying with the aperture down, and there are deep indentations at the sides of the aperture. From above, the outline of the shell is oval (photo above, left), but when viewed from the side the back of the shell comes to a blunt point, as if it had been compressed from the sides. The morphology and size match N. densata, the only species for which the protoconch is known (see Warén & Bouchet, 2001, p. 144 (Fig.15a-c) for SEM’s of the protoconch) and it is the most likely candidate based on adult habitat (it is found at 13°N and the other species are from 21°N or Gorda Ridge), but we cannot eliminate the other possibilities. |
| Frequency: Pump EPR 1999-2000: Not collected Pump EPR 2004: Not collected Trap EPR 2004-2005: Rare |
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The only other protoconch this is likely to be confused with is Eulepetopsis vitrea, in the same family. Their sizes and general appearance are similar and they both have the deep indentations at the sides of the aperture. However, viewed from above, the base of Neolepetopsis is oval, while that of Eulepetopsis is indented where the aperture meets the base. In the apical view, the posterior portion of Eulepetopsis is smoothly rounded, but Neolepetopsis comes to a point, as mentioned above. |
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