7 — Deep-sea top shell, Maurea (Alertalex) alertae

Maurea (A.) alertae from
Challenger Plateau, TAN0707.

Maurea (A.) alertae from
Challenger Plateau, TAN0707.

Maurea (Alertalex) alertae is a deep-sea snail (gastropod) endemic to New Zealand. It is found in waters ~200–700m deep. They are an attractive, nacreous, shiny little shell, and grow to about 25mm.

While not much is known regarding the ecology of this particular species, it is thought that closely related species feed on hydroids and/or sponges.



















More info: 

http://www.mapress.com/mr/content/v31/2011f/n2p135.htm

https://www.niwa.co.nz/news/critter-of-the-week-a-beautiful-group-of-marine-snails-the-calliostomatidae 

More pictures: http://www.mollusca.co.nz/speciesdetail.php?speciesid=194&species=Calliostoma%20%28Otukaia%29%20alertae