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Cyphoma gibbosum
Photo take at -35 ft on a Caribbean reef this beautiful snail moves on top of a purple sea fan. It is about 3 cm long and can be observed atached to gorgonians upon which it exclusively feeds. Unlike nudibranchs, flamingo tongue snails have a shell; however, the shell is typically not visible in living animals due to the mantle flesh covering it. When alive, the snail appears yellow-orange with irregular shaped spots ringed in black. However, the mantle can be retracted, exposing the shell. This snail is extremely over-collected and must be protected.
Found on coral reef from Florida all the Caribbean sea to Brazil
14 Comments
Thanks Eric:)
Thanks Longmustache
Nice! Wonderful spotting as usual Gerardo :-)
Wow!!
Thanks Scott !:)
Striking!
Thanks Ava , Seema, Karen, Mayra, Luis, Tyler and Patty!!:)
This is an exquisite picture!
Hard to believe that its not painted
Wow!
Uau!!! Wonderful!!! Nice colors!!!
Beautiful spotting Gerardo!
or wait is that an insect...either way beautiful!
That is one of the most impressive things I have ever seen! Great shot! Insects never cease to amaze me!
Beautiful natural design. The contrast between the purple coral reef and the orange's snail is simply beautiful. That must have been a great dive; great pictures.