The Breeder’s Registry© Information contained in this report is taken from submitted observations from aquarist unless noted otherwise (see comments). Information may be reproduced providing the Breeder’s Registry is cited.

Breeder ID: LITTEC-070194-JACLAR-001

Date received: 7/1/94

Identification: Lithopoma tectum (Gray, 1850)

Geographic origin: Caribbean

Taxonomy: (after I.C.Z.N.)

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Mollusca

Subphylum

Class Gastropoda Subclass Prosobranchia

Order Archeogastropoda Superfamily Trochacea

Family Turbinidae Subfamily Turbininae

Genus Astraea (Röding, 1798) Subgenus Lithopoma (Gray, 1850)

Species tecta (Solander, 1786) (=tectum)

Duration(yr): 1 – 4

Size (mm): 19 – 28

Broodstock notes: sexual differences not observed

Physical differences: larger individuals spawn

Adult diet: algae

Pre-spawning activity: snails congregate high on rocks. Sperm discharged approximately 30 minutes prior to release of eggs.

Time spawning began: late in day

Area spawning occurred: sperm and eggs discharged into water

Frequency of spawning: a gradual warming of water seems to trigger spawning

Egg description: eggs were initially bound with a gelatinous substance

Approximate quantity: not indicated

Size: not indicated

Egg changes / development: all eggs eaten by fish and filter feeders

Spawning tank size (liter): 475

Sides of tank covered? Yes

Lighting & photoperiod: 2 – 175 watt metal halide (6 hours), 4 – 20 watt actinic fluorescent (12 hour)

Filtration: skimmer, liverock, substrate (Berlin method)

Additives and dosages: calcium @ 400 ppm (Kalkwasser), strontium, iodine (Lugols solution)

Water temperature (F): 78

Specific gravity: 1.024

pH 8.3

Nitrate: 4.4 ppm

Comments: (10/18/96) only one reference to the subgenus Lithopoma has been found (Warmke & Abbott, 1961) which is included under a discussion of Astraea. Lithopoma tectum is not listed (nor is any other Lithopoma sp.) Astraea tecta (Solander, 1786) description is taken from Warmke & Abbott, Livingston Publishing Company, 1961, page 48): “1 inch in diameter, elevated, conical, color light-brown to ash-white. Characterized by its long, strongly axial ribs which extend to the base of the shell. Base flattened, radiately striated, scalloped at the periphery. … Alias A. imbricata (Gmelin, 1791). ” Common name Imbricated Star-shell.

Word origin: aster, -o, (Greek), a star. tect, -o, (Greek), -I, -o, (Latin) , a roof, covered, covering. lit, -io, -o, =us, (Greek), a stone. poma, -to (Greek), a lid, cover.

About this report: Information contained in this report is taken from submitted observations. Taxonomy, Synonomy, Original description , Word origin and Suggested reading are provided by member(s) of The Breeder’s Registry staff. Information is presented under the belief that it is accurate. If you have information in addition to, or contrary to that presented you are encouraged to contact the Breeder’s Registry. Permission is granted for “one-time” personal use. Reproduction as distributed or accessible media is prohibited without prior written permission. All rights reserved. 1994