The Tinted Cantharus

The Tinted Cantharus (Gemophos tinctus (Conrad, 1846) is a relatively common gastropod around the islands, where is found living mostly on Oyster reefs. The shell is thick and heavy for its size, with a reticulated (“criss-crossed”) sculpture and color pattern of varied shades of brown and reddish brown. The egg cases are spherical, depressed in the center, and are attached to hard surfaces by a round base.

The Tinted Cantharus, Gemophos tinctus, from Sanibel. The photos of egg cases were taken by Robert Bachand in Estero Bay.

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