Novocrania anomala
Novocrania anomala | |
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Three specimens of Novocrania anomala on a stone | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Brachiopoda |
Class: | Craniata |
Order: | Craniida |
Family: | Craniidae |
Genus: | Novocrania |
Species: | N. anomala
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Binomial name | |
Novocrania anomala (Müller, 1776)
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Synonyms [1] | |
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Novocrania anomala is a species of brachiopod found offshore in the eastern Atlantic Ocean.[1]
Distribution and habitat
Novocrania anomala is found from the
Description
In appearance, N. anomala resembles a cockle or limpet with a low conical, oval shell up to fifteen millimetres long. The upper valve is the only part visible as the lower valve is cemented to the rock beneath. The shell surface is smooth, white, buff or pale grey and has fine concentric lines. The outer surface is covered by a thin brown periostracum.[2]
Biology
Novocrania anomala is a filter feeder, using the lophophore between the two valves to selectively catch particles that drift past. It lives for up to ten years but growth is slow after the first year. It is free-spawning with external fertilisation in the water. The eggs sink to the bottom and hatch into free-swimming juveniles. These larvae are fully developed within three days and settle out a few days later, attaching themselves to the substrate. Because N. anomala favours waters with tidal flows of less than one knot, dispersal may be limited.[2]
Ecology
Novocrania anomala is often the
This species is often found in association with the sea anemone
A range of solitary
A survey was undertaken of the marine ecology in deep water off County Kerry in Ireland, The rock and boulders were covered with a fine silt and there were coralline crusts over most surfaces. N. anomala was found on the steep sides and lower parts of boulders while the tube worm Pomatoceros triqueter and the stony coral Caryophyllia smithii predominated on the upper parts.[4]
References
- ^ a b Christian Emig (2011). Emig CC (ed.). "Novocrania anomala (Müller, 1776)". World Brachiopoda database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Marine Life Information Network
- ^ a b European Environment Agency
- ^ BioMar survey of the Kenmare River area, Co. Kerry, August, 1995