Growth Stasis and Limited Shell Calcification in Larvae of <i>Cymatium parthenopeum</i> During Trans-Atlantic Transport

Abstract

Larvae of the shallow-water marine gastropod Cymatium parthenopeum show no appreciable shell calcification and no demonstrable growth as they disperse across the Atlantic Ocean. Evidence of what appears to be physiological specialization for prolonged delay of metamorphosis was found in larvae of this prosobranch gastropod.