Laeviphitus sp. Family Elachisinidae. ChEss logo OBIS genus link

Size under dissecting microscope: 400µm
Size under compound microscope: 360, 400 µm
Morphology:
Laeviphitus
has a large coiled protoconch. It is presumably planktotrophic, with an unornamented protoconch I and protoconch II with fine spiral ridges and strong axial ribs to form a distinctive crosshatched pattern. The species is unknown, as no adults in this genus have been collected on the EPR, though members of the genus have been collected at vent and seep sites elsewhere.
Frequency:
Pump EPR 1999-2000: Frequent
Pump EPR 2004: Common
Trap EPR 2004-2005: Common

Can be confused with

Phymorhynchus sp.
There are few coiled larvae in the plankton at 9N and it is unlikely that this species would be confused with any other. Phymorhynchus protoconchs are also large and coiled, but have a taller spire and an ornamented protoconch I. The patterning on protoconch II in Phymorhynchus is diamond-shaped.

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