Re: I'm interested in pteropods

Dear Andrea,
I didn't realise you were looking for some advice on where to look for information on pteropods. There are three books which are very valuable references.

The first, by Lalli & Gilmer, is particularly interesting because it describes planktonic molluscs as living organisms, with amazing photographs and onservations of them with use mucous nets for feeding etc.

The other two books, by van der Spoel, present a classical approach to these animals as dead preserved specimens and shells, with minor conchological differences being considered sufficient for species differentiation.

At this stage in our understanding of the pteropods it is important to have a knowledge of both sides of the story. Unfortunately I am not sure how easy it is to obtain any of these books.

• Lalli, C.M. & Gilmer, R.W. (1989) Pelagic Snails. The Biology of Holoplanktonic Gastropod Molluscs. Stanford University Press: Stanford, California. 259pp
• van der Spoel, S. (1967) Euthecosomata. a group with remarkable developmental stages (Gastropoda, Pteropoda). J.Noorduijn en Zoon N.V.: Gorinchem, Netherlands. 375pp
• van der Spoel, S. (1976) Pseudothecosomata, Gymnosomata and Heteropoda (Gastropoda). Bohn, Scheltema & Holkema: Utrecht. 484pp.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.