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Fusitriton oregonensis (Oregon triton)
Copyright © 2007
Mary Jo Adams
Although usually in subtidal waters to a depth of 600 feet (200 m.), the Oregon triton occasionally ventures into the very low intertidal zone of rocky beaches. It is easily recognized by its coat of bristly gray-brown periostracum and large size (to 6 inches/15 cm.). As a predator, this snail feeds on ascidians, urchins, chitons, bivalves and other invertebrates and it may also scavenge. The female requires about 2 weeks to lay a spiral pattern of egg capsules that contains up to 2000 eggs. The egg cluster is sometimes referred to as “sea corn”. This species is also commonly called the hairy triton. It ranges from the Bering Sea to San Diego, CA.
This
page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 3/19/07.
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