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Ceratostoma foliatum (Leafy hornmouth)
Copyright © 2007
Mary Jo Adams
The most distinctive features of the leafy hornmouth are the 3 sail-like frills that extend from its shell. The frills function not only to add strength to the shell but also to increase its chance of landing aperture side down if it is dislodged from the substrate. The shell may reach a length of 3.5 inches/8.5 cm. This species is predatory, feeding on barnacles and bivalves including the thatched barnacle (Semibalanus cariosus), acorn barnacle (Balanus glandula), and the jingle shell (Pododesmus cepio).
Mating and egg laying often occurs in Washington during late February and March. A female lays ~40 egg capsules with approximately 50 eggs per capsule. The eggs somewhat resemble flattened and curled kernels of corn.
This species ranges from Alaska to San Diego, CA and from the low intertidal to a depth of 200 feet/65 m. It was formerly known as Purpura foliata.
This
page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 3/19/07.
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