Volvatella pyriformis
Pease, 1868

Order: SACOGLOSSA
Superfamily: OXYNOOIDEA
Family: Volvatellidae

PHOTO

Pease (1868): Plate 7, figure 5. Volvatella pyriformis. Drawn by A.J.Garrett.

According to Edwin Cruz-Rivero [see message] V. pyriformis is a specialist feeder on Caulerpa sertularioides

Originally reported from Huaheine [Tahiti Ids]. I have copied below the original description from Pease (1868) based on notes and illustrations from Andrew Garrett:
"Animal uniform pale orange; as seen through the shell, freckled with red, which assumes transverse bands. Head subquadrate, slightly emarginate in front and provided with small lateral crests. Eyes black, inserted in a fissure on the side of the head. Foot oblong, truncated and widest in front, and gradually tapering to a rounded tip behind. Motions active; when disturbed discharging a viscid white fluid from the vent. Descriptions of the shells of this genus cannot be relied on for the reason of the distorted change that takes place soon after they are removed from the animal and become dry. The shell resembles that of Lophocerus vigourouxii, Montr."

Reference:
• Pease, W.H. (1868). Descriptions of marine Gasteropodae, inhabiting Polynesia. American Journal of Conchology, 4(2): 71-80, Pls. 7-10.

Authorship details
Rudman, W.B., 2000 (May 27) Volvatella pyriformis Pease, 1868. [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet/volvpyri

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