Articulate Phos Shell, Metaphos articulatus
Articulate Phos Shell, Metaphos articulatus. Shell provided by the commercial fishermen of the greater Los Cabos area, Baja California Sur, May 2009. Size: 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) x 1.6 cm (0.6 inches), November 2012.
Phylogeny: The Articulate Phos, Metaphos articulatus (Hinds, 1844), is a gastropod mollusk that is a member of the Nassariidae Family of Mud Shells. The genus Metaphos is one of twenty-eight genera in this family, and there are six species in this genus.
Description: Articulate Phos Shells are strong and moderate in size. They consist of about six to seven convex whorls with high spires and a moderately large aperture with a crenulated (notched with small ridges) outer lip. There is considerable variation in shape and sculpture within the species. They are marked with fine spiral lines and the length-wise ridges may be strong or weak. The exterior of the shells is white with brown blotches. Articulate Phos Shells reach a maximum of 4.6 cm (1.8 inches) in length and 1.9 cm (0.7 inches) in height.
Habitat and Distribution: The Articulate Phos live in muddy substrates, at depths between 30 m (100 feet) and 230 m (760 feet). They tropical Eastern Pacific species that are found in all Mexican waters of the Pacific Ocean with the exception that they are absent from along the west coast of the Baja Peninsula and north of Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur, in the Sea of Cortez.
Ecology and Behavior: The Articulate Phos is a scavenger that feeds primarily on carrion and detritus. Species in this family are eaten by fish, sea stars, and gastropods. They are gonochoric and reproduce sexually, with internal fertilization. The eggs are laid in protective capsules. They are known to host endoparasitic cestodes, nematodes, and trematodes. Their engagement in any type of commensal or symbiotic relationships has not been formally documented. From a conservation perspective the Articulate Phos has not been formally evaluated. However, they are fairly common with a relatively wide distribution and should be considered to be of Least Concern.
Synonyms: Phos articulatus.