The Fire Beneath The East China Sea

What a fantastic surprise! This month we received the paratype of Calliostoma shawni ( Poppe & Tagarao, 2020), A beautiful species found in the waters of Okinawa. This rare species is named after naturalist and underwater photographer Shawn Miller for his continued support of malacological research.

Calliostoma shawni
Calliostoma shawni

Calliostoma shawni is found at night feeding on fire coral (Millepora sp).

Calliostoma shawni
Calliostoma shawni

The average size of this beauty is 7mm-13mm.

Calliostoma shawni
Calliostoma shawni

During the day, it hides in the tiny crevices of the fire coral.

Calliostoma shawni
Calliostoma shawni

Interested in seeing this species in its natural habitat? Let me know, and I can show you.

If you would like to learn more about this species, check out Visaya Vol 5 Nov 4 -September 2020


Do you like seashells? Learn more about the gastropods of Okinawa @ okinawanaturephotography.com/seashells-of-okinawa/

Have a wonderful day!