Bivalves, Snails, Nudibranchs, Octopus, Squid, Chitons.
Molluscs are found inevery marine habitat, and have invaded fresh water and terrestrial habitats as well. Most species have shells, and all have a mantle and a muscular, powerful foot.
There are about 800 species of molluscs in the Pacific Northwest, and more than 50,000 species worldwide. All molluscs are soft-bodied animals, most of which have shells in one form or another, which are secreted from the mantle, a thin specialized tissue layer. Forms of shells include a single shell (often spiral in shape), two hinged opposing shells, or eight overlapping plates. Those that do not have shells most likely evolved away from a shelled form.
Molluscs are found inevery marine habitat, and have invaded fresh water and terrestrial habitats as well. Most species have shells, and all have a mantle and a muscular, powerful foot.
There are about 800 species of molluscs in the Pacific Northwest, and more than 50,000 species worldwide. All molluscs are soft-bodied animals, most of which have shells in one form or another, which are secreted from the mantle, a thin specialized tissue layer. Forms of shells include a single shell (often spiral in shape), two hinged opposing shells, or eight overlapping plates. Those that do not have shells most likely evolved away from a shelled form.
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| Nudibranchs | |
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Alabaster nudibranch (Dirona albolineata) |
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Alabaster nudibranch (Dirona albolineata) - orange morph |
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Banded polycera (Palio dubia) |
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Clown dorid (Triopha catalinae) |
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Cockerell's nudibranch (Limacia cockerelli) |
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Diamondback nudibranch (Tritonia festiva) |
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Giant nudibranch (Dendronotus iris) |
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Golden dirona (Dirona pellucida) |
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Heath's dorid (Geitodoris heathi) |
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Hudson's dorid (Acanthodoris hudsoni) |
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Leopard dorid (Diaulula sandiegensis) |
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Lion nudibranch (Melibe leonina) |
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Lined chiton (Tonicella lineata) |
| Chitons | |
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Gumboot chiton (Cryptochiton stellari) |
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Blue-line chiton (Tonicella undocaerulea) |
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Smooth mopalia (Mopalia vespertina) |
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White-line chiton (Tonicella insignis) |
| Bivalves | |
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Spiny pink scallop (Chlamys hastata) |
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Rough piddock clam (Zirfea pilsbryi) |
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Rough keyhole limpet (Diodora aspera) |
| Snails | |
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Leafy hornmouth (Ceratostoma foliatum) |
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Leafy hornmouth eggs (Ceratostoma foliatum) |
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Lewis' Moon snail (Euspira lewisii) |
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Lewis' Moon snail egg case (Euspira lewisii) |
| Octopus & Squid | |
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Red octopus (Octopus rubescens) |
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Giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) |
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Stubby squid (Rossia pacifica) |