User:Ben217/Neolepetopsis gordensis

Neolepetopsis gordensis

The true limpet


 * 1) Animalia (Kingdom)
 * 2) Mollusca (Phylum)
 * 3) Gastropoda (Class)
 * 4) Patellogastropoda (Subclass)
 * 5) Lottioidea (Superfamily)
 * 6) Neolepetopsidae (Family)
 * 7) Neolepetopsis (Genus)
 * 8) Neolepetopsis gordensis (Species)

Article body
Distribution

Originally found deep in the Gorda Ridge, Pacific ocean, habitating hypothermal vents. The specific specimen was found on an inactive sulfide chimney. It was noticed by the diving team that there was an absence of other kinds of vent fauna. It has been assumed that  each Neolepetopsis species requires sulfide substrata without much competition from other megafaunal species. This limpet has only been seen near these vents as of nowyet. Though similar limpets have been found all over the world in similar habitats.

Description:

This is the largest among the Neolepetopsis species. The size of this species ranges from 2mm to 10mm in shell length. The outer shell is a coarse, clathrate shell sculpture displaying radial symmetry. Locomotion is accomplished by a muscular foot, much like a snail. The NG uses a radula with central rachidian; five or seven cusped teeth, for feeding. The overall profile of the shell itself is similar to other limpets being low, flat limpet-form, (McLean, 1990). Most of what is known of this limpet is from the original Holotypes recovered in 1988 leaving much to be known.

Reproduction:

The reproduction of the NG has never been witnessed or recorded. It is assumed that much like other limpets the NG broadcast spawning, where the females release eggs while several males release sperm into the water at the same time. This usually occurs once a year for limpet species, taking place during winter whenwhere the water is in movement aiding in the spread of eggs and sperm. Limpets like NG are sequential hermaphrodites, being born as one sex and then maturing into another. Most become anand adult male at 9 months, followed by a couple of years they change sex to become female.

Diet:

Unknown, but following the similarities with other limpets, algae. It can be assumed sulfide and other hypothermal vent nutrients are consumed as well considering the habitat.