Novar Haurakia
Haurakia novarensis
Protoconch of about two whorls, smooth except for a few spiral threads on last half whorl. Distinct protoconch/teleoconch demarcation line. Teleoconch short, wide with four convex whorls. Strongly ribbed axial sculpture (12-20 ribs on penultimate whorl) and spiral sculpture of strong cords (about 6 on penultimate whorl). Spirals sometimes restricted to interspaces between axials, otherwise crossing axials and forming beads at intersections. Six to seven strong cords on base. Aperture ovate, with well-defined posterior canal; outer lip with very strong varix externally and about 5 lirae internally in the most mature shells. Shell opaque, translucent when fresh; fawn, sometimes with broad spiral brown band at top of last whorl and on base. Shell up to 3.3 mm in length.
Morphology
Rissoids are very diverse in morphology with many genera converging in shell form and has traditionally been a dumping ground for small gastropods
Evolution
Rissoid fossils are known from the Upper Jurrasic of Europe and well established in the Tertiary.
Behaviour
Rissoids are grazers of biofilms, feeding on algae, foraminiferans and detritus. Some are selective depositfeeders grazing diatoms and other unicellular algae.
Method of reproduction
The rissoids are gonochoristic. Males have a penis behind the right cephalic tentacle, while females have a lower oviduct gland, a bursa copulatrix and seminal receptacle. Egg capsules are simple and benthic, laid on various objects from rock to algae or sea grass.
Habitat
Marine or brackish
Rissoids inhabit marine or brackish water areasfrom the intertidal to depths of continental slopes. The may be found on algae, sea grass, rocks, under rocks, on sand/mud etc.
Distribution
Known from around Australia
Life Cycle
Benthic adults, most likely free swimming larvae
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Caenogastropoda |
| Order: | Littorinimorpha |
| Superfamily: | Rissooidea |
| Family: | Rissoidae |
| Genus: | Haurakia |
| Species: | novarensis |
| Name Published Year: | 1867 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Frauenfeld |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/haurakia-novarensis
Accessed 1 Sep 2023
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