Dorsal (top) and ventral view of anterior of radula. Numerous, fully developed, needle-like, golden brown, long marginal teeth, used for sweeping in of food particles, are folded in (1). In each transverse row of teeth, five small lateral teeth flank each side of a central rachidian tooth. Further back on the radula (2) the marginals are less developed and much smaller, but the laterals and rachidian seem to achieve their full size earlier in development. The ‘rhipidoglossan’ style of radula is found on this species and other Vetigastropoda. ‘Rhipidos’ is Greek for ‘fan’ and refers to the fanning out of the radula teeth to sweep in loose food particles rather than by a cutting or scraping action.
Menai Strait, Wales. September 2016.