Hydatina amplustre (Linnaeus, 1758)
Family Hydatinidae

The delicate white animal inhabiting this spirally banded pink and white shell is too large to fit entirely inside. Active only at night, it can be found at depths of 1-2 ft. in areas of mixed sand and rock with good water circulation. Hermit crabs inhabiting the distinctive shells are a daytime clue to its presence. The species feeds on small, colorful bristle worms of the family Cirratulidae. Some specialists place it and the two species below in the order Acteonoidea. The species name means "large" or "swollen." To about 3/4 in. Indo-Pacific.

Photo: Black Point, O`ahu. 1 ft.

John P. Hoover lives in Honolulu. He has published two books on marine life of the Hawaiian Islands. His third (pictured at left), a field guide to the marine invertebrates of the Hawaii, will be available approximately May 1999. With over 600 photographs, it will cover 500 species, including 66 of Hawaii's most colorful and interesting opisthobranchs. Hawaii's Fishes, a Guide for Snorkelers, Divers and Aquarists Mutual Publishing, 1993 Hawaii's Underwater Paradise, Mutual Publishing, 1997 Hawaii's Sea Creatures, a guide to Hawaii's Marine Invertebrates. Mutual Publishing, 1999. John's books are available through Sea Challengers ! Send John E-Mail at hoover@hml.org

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