SOLITARY ISLANDS
UNDERWATER
RESEARCH GROUP, INC.

Species Index

Cuspivolva ostheimerae
(Cate, 1973)

Distribution: Not common in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Recorded from Port Stephens and South West Rocks in New South Wales. Known from the tropical Indo-Pacific region (Philippines).

Ecological Notes: Found on Euplexaura sp. gorgonia in depths up to 20 m.

Additional Notes: Small size and cryptic habit mean ovulids generally are overlooked by divers. With mantle extended and gorgonian polyps fully erected, this species, like most ovulids, exhibits superb camouflage. Grows to approximately 10 mm in length.

References: Pers. Obs. Professor Steve Smith, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, 2016.