Potential Coryphella Trilineata Cryptic Species at FHL

Abstract

This observational study utilizes different forms of morphological data in an attempt to determine the presence of potential cryptic species that have been previously classified as Coryphella trilineata. 11 specimens were collected off the docks at Friday Harbor Labs and used in this project. They were labelled 1-11F, the F was for FHL docks as it hadn't become apparent yet that this location would be the only feasible one for collection. Each specimen was kept in a Falcon tube within a larger bin to keep them separate within the flow table. The caps of the tubes were screwed on, but each had a hole in the center and had a fine plankton net secured underneath to ensure air exchange. Their water was changed daily to prevent temperatures from rising too high. External morphological traits such as rhinophore annulation number and style, along with rhinophore and cerata coloration, were examined using a dissection scope. Each specimen had its radula dissected out using a needle and fine-tuned forceps. Only 6 radulas were able to be successfully placed onto stubs. This was due to the fact that the radulas are clear and minuscule, though not difficult to locate within the organism. The best course of action ended up being to use a Pasteur pipette to move the radulas from surface to surface. Once successfully extracted, radulas were placed into 95% ethanol while they awaited the SEM. Radulas were photographed using the SEM at varying quality due to issues with the axis alignment. Only 5 photos were taken as the 6th radula was too damaged to be useful. Furthermore, only 2 pictures were useful for identifying known anatomical features of the C. trilineata radula.