Marine Life of Western North America compiled by Focus On Nature Tours

PO Box 9021, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
E-mail: font@focusonnature.com
Phone: Toll-free in USA 1-888-721-3555
or 302/529-1876

MARINE LIFE
of Western North America

of the Pacific Ocean
and the Sea of Cortez
or Gulf of California

Other than Marine Mammals,
and the pelagic reptile, the Sea Snake

including inshore and offshore waters
of coastal Alaska, Washington State,
California, Baja California, and
Sonora, Mexico

with some references and photos relating to
the Pacific coast of Central and South America

This List of Western American Marine Life compiled by Armas Hill
with 735 species of various marine creatures in the list.

Those seen during Focus On Nature tours and pelagic trips with an (*)

Photo at upper right: a SEA FAN on the coral PORITES PANAMENSIS (formerly P. CALIFORNICA),
in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, in Sonora, Mexico

Links:

A Listing of scheduled Focus On Nature Tours

Upcoming Focus On Nature Tours in North America FONT Past Tour Highlights

Links, in the following list, to:

Sea Turtles Fish Sponges

CNIDARIANS Corals Gorgonians, Sea Fans Sea Pansy Sea Pens Sea Anemones

Jellyfish Hydroids Comb Jellies

MOLLUSKS (Shells)

GASTROPODS    Abalones    Limpets    Periwinkles    Turret Shells    Wentletraps

Conch Shells    Cowries    Moon Shells    Helmet Shells    Dwarf Tritons    Whelks    Olive Shells

Cone Shells    Auger Shells    Turrid Shells    Bubble Shells    Tusk Shells

TUSK SHELLS (above) are not GASTROPODS but SCAPHOPODS.
The groups in the following line are GASTROPODS, but some are without shells.

Sea Butterflies Sea Hares Nudibranchs & allies

BIVALVES Mussels Scallops Cockles Tellins Macomas

Jackknife Clams, Razor Clams, Gaper Clams Soft-shelled Clams

Piddocks Lysonias Pandoras Spoon Clams CHITONS

CEPHALOPODS: Squids Octopuses Paper Argonauts

ARTHROPODS: Sea Spiders CRUSTACEANS Copepods

Barnacles (& Isopods, Beach Hopper, Beach Flea) Shrimps Crabs

ECHINODERMS Sea Stars & Brittle Stars Sea Urchins & Sand Dollars Sea Cucumbers

CHORDATES: Tunicates (and pelagic tunicates, salps) Lancelet BRYOZOANS

Other Links:

Birds of: Alaska California Washington State Mexico (a list in 3 parts) Sonora, Mexico

Mammals (including marine mammals) of: Alaska California & Washington State Mexico

Marine Life of Eastern North America

Codes:

All of the following either along the coast or offshore.

AK   in Alaska, USA
BC   in British Columbia, Canada
BJ   in Baja California, Mexico
CA   in California, USA
SC   in the Sea of Cortez, or Gulf of California, including portion in Sonora, Mexico
WA in Washington State, USA

Species with a "pr" following the CA occur in the area of Point Reyes, California.

(p): seen pelagically


(ASC:xx) refers to plate number of a photo in the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Seashore Creatures"

(AS:xx) refers to plate number of a photo in the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashells"

(PS:xx)   refers to plate number with an illustration in the "Peterson Field Guide, Shells of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and the West Indies", by R. Tucker Abbott and Percy Morris, 1995

(SCMA:xx) refers to the page with a photo in the "Sea of Cortez Marine Animals", by Daniel Gotshall, 1998

(SCMI:xx) refers to the page with a photo in the "Sea of Cortez Marine Invertebrates", by Alex Kerstitch and Hans Bertsch, 2nd edition, 2007

ph: species with a photo in the FONT website

         MARINE, or SEA, TURTLES (Reptiles)

Leatherback (Sea) Turtle (ph) (*) ______ AK CA
Dermochelys coriacea

The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the world's largest turtle. It can weigh half a ton. A deep diver, it can go to a depth of about 5,000 feet.

Leatherback Sea Turtles, of the now-rare Pacific population, have been seen (adult females & hatchlings) during FONT Tours in Costa Rica in December/January at one of their night-time nesting sites, at a beach in the region of that country known as Guanacaste.

The Leatherback Sea Turtle is a critically endangered species.
Green Sea Turtle (ph) (*) ______ CA pr(very rare)
Chelonia mydas

The Green Sea Turtle is an endangered species.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (ph) ______ CA pr(rare)
Caretta caretta

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is an endangered species.
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (*) ______ CA pr(very rare)
Lepidochelys olivacea

Another name for Lepidochelys olivacea is Pacific Ridley Sea Turtle. It is classified as a vulnerable species.

The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle nests on eastern Pacific beaches in Mexico and in Central America in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.
During FONT tours, the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle has been seen at nesting sites in Guatemala and Costa Rica.

FISH

Click the above link to a list of marine fish of western North America: 558 species

OCEANIC INVERTEBRATES

including those of the OPEN OCEAN:

SPONGES (Phyllum Porifera)

SPONGES are probably the most primitive animals known. They have a asymmetrical body plan and only a cellular level of organization.
With no true circulatory system, both feeding and gas exchange is accomplished by filtering water through the sponge's tissues. The beating of small flagellated cells called choanocytes is responsible for this water movement.

SPONGES are broadly differentiated by the composition of their supporting structures called SPICULES.
These SPICULES may be:
calcareous (in the Class Calcarea)
silica-based (in the Class Hexactinellida)
or made of a protein called SPONGIN (in the Class Demospongiae).
The last of these are referred to as BATH SPONGES.

SPONGES in the Class CALCAREA
Eleanor's Organ-pipe Sponge ______ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to California
Leucosolenia eleanor
Little Vase Sponge ______ CA WA (ASC:45) from British Columbia, Canada to central California
Scypha ciliata

Several other species in the Scypha genus occur from Washington State to California.
cork sponges ______ CA pr
Prosuberites sp.
Heath's Sponge ______ CA WA (ASC:109) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Leucandra heathi
Calcareous Sponge ______ CA pr
Leucocolenia eleanor
Nutting's Sponge ______ BJ CA pr WA (ASC:46) from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California
Leucilla nuttingi

Another name for Leucilla nuttingi is Little White Sponge. North of San Francisco CA, it is seasonal.

SPONGES in the Class DEMOSPONGIAE
Karatose Sponge ______ CA pr
Aplysilla glacialis
skunk sponges ______ CA pr
Lissodendoryx sp.
Velvety Red Sponge ______ CA pr WA (ASC:128) from Washington State to California
Ophlitaspongia pennata

Another name for Ophlitaspongia pennata is Red Star Sponge.
Purple Haliclona ______ CA pr WA (ASC:126) from Washington State to central California, also Atlantic coast
Haliclona permollis

Haliclona permollis is also called simply Purple Sponge. It occurs higher up on rocks than any other sponge along the North American Pacific coast.
Red Beard Sponge ______ CA WA (ASC:29) from Washington State to central California, also Atlantic coast
Microciona prolifera
Sharp-spined Leuconia ______ CA pr
Leuconia heathi
Yellow-boring Sponge ______ BJ CA pr SC WA (ASC:127) (SCMI:20) wide-ranging, and throughout the Gulf of California, further north from California to Washington State, also Atlantic coast
Cliona celata

Cliona celata is also called simply Yellow Sponge, or just as simply Boring Sponge.
Smooth Red Sponge ______ BJ CA pr WA (ASC:30) from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico
Plocamia karykina

Another name for Plocamia karykina is Red Encrusting Sponge.
Crumb of Bread Sponge ______ AK CA WA (ASC:123) from Alaska to central California
Halichondria panicea
Yellow Nipple Sponge ______ CA pr
Hymeniacidon sp.
Polymastia ______ CA pr
Polymastia pachymastia

CNIDARIANS (in the Phyllum Cnidaria, including corals and jellyfish)

CNIDARIA is a Greek word meaning "stinging nettle".

CNIDARIANS are classified into 6 classes, 4 of which are common:
ANTHOZOA: corals and anemones
SCYPHOZOA: jellyfish
HYDROIDS: hydroids and siphonophorers
CUBOZOA: box jellies

CNIDARIA is a Greek word meaning "stinging nettle".

CNIDARIANS are classified into 6 classes, 4 of which are common:
ANTHOZOA: corals and anemones
SCYPHOZOA: jellyfish
HYDROIDS: hydroids and siphonophorers
CUBOZOA: box jellies

STONY CORALS (Class Anthozoa, Order Scleractinia)
Elegant Coral ______ SC (SCMI:29) on the peninsular side of the central Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Pocillopora elegans
Giant Coral ______ SC (SCMI:29) on the peninsular side of the central Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Pavona gigantea
Emerald Coral (ph) (*) ______ SC (SCMI:30) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Panama
Porites panamensis (formerly Porites californica)

An Emerald Coral in the Gulf of California,
on which there is a Brown Sea Fan, Pacifigorgia sp.
Sea Fans are later in this list.
Cortez Coral ______ SC (SCMI:30) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Peru
Astrangia haimei (formerly Astrangia cortezi)
Bower's Cup Coral ______ BJ CA SC (SCMI:30) in the central and southern Gulf of California, north to Monterey CA
Coenocyathus bowersi
Consag Cup Coral ______ BJ CA SC (SCMI:31) in the northern and central Gulf of California, north to southern California
Bathycyathus consagensis
Orange Cup Coral ______ SC (SCMI:31) in the central and southern Gulf of California, south to Ecuador, circumtropical
Tubastraea coccinea

For the species above, Tubastraea coccinea, and the one below, Balanophyllia elegans, we have the same common name.
Orange Cup Coral (ph) (*) ______ CA WA (ASC:176.177) from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California
Balanophyllia elegans

Balanophyllia elegans is the only stony coral that occurs between the high and low tide lines on the Pacific Coast.

Orange Cup Coral
Black Franciscan Solitary Coral ______ SC (SCMI:31) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Panama
Ceratotrochus franciscana
Yellow Polyp Black Coral ______ SC (SCMI:32) in the central and southern Gulf of California, south to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Antipathes galaoagensis

GORGONIANS and SEA FANS (Class Anthozoa, Order Alcyonacea)
Bumpy Orange Gorgonian ______ BJ SC (SCMI:32) throughout the Gulf of California, and along the outer Baja California coast
Eugorgia aurantica
White Gorgonian ______ SC (SCMI:52) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Panama
Leptagorgia alba
Hard-leaved Gorgonian ______ BJ CA (SCMI:33) from La Jolla CA to Baja California
Adelogorgia phyllosclera
Golden Gorgonian ______ BJ CA SC (SCMI:34) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Panama, and north through Baja California to Newport Bay CA
Muricea californica

Another name for Muricea californica is Robust Gorgonian.
Red Sea Fan ______ SC (SCMI:33) throughout the Gulf of California, more common southerly
Pacifigorgia sp.
Brown Sea Fan ______ SC (SCMI:33) in the central and southern Gulf of California
Pacifigorgia sp.

A photo of a Brown Sea Fan is with the heading of this list, and above with the Emerald Coral, Porites panamensis.
Yellow Sea Fan ______ SC (SCMI:34) in the southern Gulf of California
Pacifigorgia sp.

SEA PANSY (Class Anthozoa, Order Octocorallia)
Western Sea Pansy ______ BJ CA from southern California to Baja California
Renilla koellikeri

SEA PENS (Class Anthozoa, Order Pennatulacea)
Gurney's Sea Pen ______ CA WA (ASC:44) from British Columbia, Canada to central California
Pilosarcus gurneyi
Fleshy Sea Pen ______ SC (SCMI:34) throughout the Gulf of California, otherwise poorly known
Ptilosarcus undulatus
Slender Sea Pen ______ BJ CA SC WA (SCMI:35) throughout the Gulf of California, and to the north through southern California to British Columbia, Canada
Stylatula elongata

SEA ANEMONES (Class Anthozoa, Order Actiniaria)
Solitary Coral Anemone ______ CA pr
Blanophyllia elegans
Proliferating Anemone ______ AK CA pr WA (AS:181,197) from Alaska to southern California
Epiactus prolifera
Giant Green Anemone ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:186) from Alaska to Panama
Anthopleura xanthogrammica
Aggregating Anemone ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:185) from Alaska to Baja California
Anthopleura elegantissima
Buried Sea Anemone ______ AK CA pr WA (AS:179) from Alaska to southern California
Anthopleura artemisia

Another name for Anthopleura artemisia is Burrowing Anemone.
Northern Red Anemone ______ AK CA WA (AS:182) from Alaska to central California, also Atlantic coast
Tealia crassicornis (or Tealia felina)
Strawberry Anemone ______ CA pr WA (AS:183) from Washington State to southern California
Tealia lofotensis

Another name for Tealia lofotensis is Big Red Anemone.
Leathery Anemone ______ AK CA WA (AS:184,195) from Alaska to central California
Tealia coriacea
Small Red Anemone ______ CA pr
Corynactus californica
Frilled Anemone ______ AK CA pr WA (AS:171) from Alaska to southern California, also Atlantic coast
Metridium senile

Another name for Metridium senile is Plumose Anemone.
Striped Anemone ______ CA WA (ASC:168) from Washington State to southern California, also Atlantic coast
Haliplanella luciae
Ghost Anemone ______ CA (ASC:169) in California, also Atlantic coast
Diadumene leucolena
Steinbeck's Anemone ______ SC (SCMI:23) described from the central Gulf of California
Phialoba steinbecki
Warty Anemone ______ SC (SCMI:24) throughout the Gulf of California, south to El Salvador
Bunodosoma californica
Bunodactis mexicana ______ BJ SC (SCMI:24) throughout the Gulf of California and along the Baja California coast

Bunodactis mexicana has been said to be Isoaulactinia hespervolita but that species, described in 2004, is in the west central Atlantic Ocean.
A common name given to Bunodactis mexicana is Western Flyer Anemone, named after the boat that Steinbeck and Ricketts used in their 1940 pilgrimage throughout the Sea of Cortez, the "Western Flyer".
Bunodactis mexicana was described in 1951.

The following species, CORYNACTIS, is in the Order CORALLIMORPHARIA.
Club-tipped Anemone ______ BJ CA (ASC:180) from northern California to Baja California
Corynactis californica

The order of the following recently-described species is uncertain.
"Little Stinger" ______ SC (SCMI:24) in eastern Pacific Ocean off US and Mexico, but distribution not known
Relicanthus daphneae (formerly Boloceroudes daphneae)

Relicanthus daphneae resembles a sea anemone. It was described in 2006. Its genus and family (Relicanthidae) were described in 2014.

JELLYFISH (Class Scyphozoa)
Eared Stalked Jellyfish ______ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to northern California
Haliclystus auricula
Purple-banded Jellyfish ______ CA WA sometimes in tidepools along the Pacific Coast of the United States
Pelagica colorata

The Purple-banded Jellyfish is highly toxic. Even so, it is eaten by the Ocean Sunfish and the Blue Rockfish.
Lined Sea Nettle ______ AK CA pr WA from Alaska to southern California
Chrysaora melanaster

Another name for Chrysaora melanaster is Striped Jellyfish.
Lion's Mane (ph) ______ AK CA WA (ASC:511) along the North America Pacific coast from Alaska to southern California, also Atlantic coast
Cyanea sapillata

The Lion's Mane is the largest jellyfish in the world. Specimens up to 8 feet wide have been found.

Cyanea sapillata is highly toxic. Contact with the tentacles produces sever burning and blistering. Prolonged exposure may cause stomach cramps and breathing difficulties.

In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story, "The Adventure of the Lion's Mane", Sherlock Holmes solves a homicide caused by contact between the victim and this medusa in a tidepool.

Above & below: the Lion's Mane Jellyfish
Moon Jelly (ph) (*) ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:502) along the North American Pacific coast from Alaska to southern California, also coasts of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
Aurelia aurita

Moon Jellyfish
Above on a beach, below in the water

HYDROIDS (Class Hydrozoa)
Penicillate Jellyfish ______ CA pr WA (ASC:495) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Polyorchis penicillatus

Another name for Polyorchis penicillatus is Bell-shaped Jellyfish. Even though it is about 1 and a half inches high, and nearly that wide, the Penicillate Jellyfish is among the largest of the hydromedusae along the North American Pacific coast.
Many-ribbed Hydromedusa ______ AK CA WA (ASC:500) from Alaska to California, also Atlantic and Gulf coasts
Aequorea aequorea
Angled Hydromedusa ______ AK CA WA (ASC:505) from Alaska to central California, also Atlantic coast
Gonionemus vertens

The Angled Hydromedusa is common in Puget Sound. It floats in shallow water, sometimes clinging to eelgrass.
Fringed-stem Medusa ______ SC (SCMI:23) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Peru, circumtropical
Apolemia uvaria
Wine-glass Hydroids ______ AK CA WA (ASC:75,77) from Alaska to southern California; also Atlantic coast and Caribbean
Campanularia spp.

Laboratory examination is necessary to determine Campanularia species.
Zig-zag Wine-glass Hydroid ______ CA pr WA (ASC:78) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California, Also Atlantic and Gulf coasts and Caribbean
Obelia geniculata

Obelia longissima has been said to be along the North American Pacific coast, but it is said now to be in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
So, three species of Obelia are listed here as being along the Pacific coast of North America: O. geniculata (above) and O. dichotoma and O. bidentata (both below).
Two-branched Wine-glass Hydroid ______ AK BJ CA pr WA from Alaska to Baja California
Obelia dichotoma
Double-toothed Bushy Wine-glass Hydroid ______ CA pr WA (ASC:79) from Puget Sound WA to southern California, also Atlantic coast and Caribbean
Obelia bidentata
Halecium Hydroid ______ CA WA (ASC:72) from British Columbia, Canada to central California, also Atlantic coast
Halecium haleciuma
By-the-wind Sailor ______ BJ CA pr WA (ASC:515,516)   occurs as far north as Washington State, from the tropical Pacific
Velella velella

In the spring, with onshore winds accompanying the northward shift of the Pacific High, the tide line along the beaches at Point Reyes, California may be strewn with a "strange debris".
When dried by the wind and sun, that debris looks like crumpled pieces of cellophane - transparent, with each piece an inch or two long.
Some years they are abundant. Some years they are sparse.
With a close look, a certain symmetry is noticeable - an oval, flat, ridged plate with a half oval attached at a right angle along the main axis.
These are animals - hydroids, named By the Wind Sailors, which have adapted to a pelagic life, drifting far offshore.
When alive, Velella velella are a royal blue, with an erect sail (the half oval) and short jellyfish-like tentacles below.
On the beach however, the soft tissue soon shrivels and the color fades.
(the above from the book "The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula", revised edition, by Jules Evens)
Plumed Hydroid ______ CA pr
Plumularia setacea

Another name for Plumularia setacea is Little Sea Bristle.
a Tubularian Hydroid ______ AK BJ CA pr SC WA (ASC:88) (SCMI:21) throughout the Gulf of California, around Baja California and north to Alaska, also Atlantic coast
Ectopleura crocea (formerly Tubularia crocea)
a Tubularian Hydroid ______ CA pr from Washington State to California
Ectopleura marina (formerly Tubularia marina)
Club Hydroid ______ CA (ASC:87) in central California
Clava leptostyla
Snail Fur ______ CA WA (ASC:38) from British Columbia, Canada to central California, also Atlantic coast
Hydractinia echinata
Miller's Hydractinia ______ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to California
Hydractinia milleri

Miller's Hydractinia occurs as pink patches on rocks and pilings.
Bougainvillia Hydroids ______ AK CA WA (ASC:80) from Alaska to southern California, also Atlantic and Gulf coasts
Bougainvillia sp.

The Bougainvillla genus includes many species. Due to the small size of the polyp, laboratory examination is necessary to determine the species.
Stick Hydroid ______ CA (ASC:82) in southern California
Endendrium ramosum
California Stick Hydroid ______ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to central California
Endendrium californicum
Orange-colored Hydroid ______ CA pr
Garveia annulata
Green's Bushy Hydroid ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:71) from Alaska to southern California
Abietinaria greenii

Species in the genus Abietinaria are called Fern Garland Hydroids. They are along both North American coasts.
Forked Garland Hydroid ______ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Sertularia furcata
Silvery Hydroid ______ AK CA WA (ASC:74) along the North American Pacific coast from Alaska to southern California, also in the Atlantic
Thuiaria argentea

The Silvery Hydroid is graceful. In England, where it is called "White Weed", it is collected, dyed green, dried, and shipped to the United States for sale in flower shops as "Sea Fern".
Ostrich-plume Hydroid ______ AK BJ CA SC WA (SCMI:22) from Alaska to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, throughout the Gulf of California
Aglaophenia diegensis
Giant Ostrich-plume Hydroid ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:67,69) along the North American Pacific coast from Alaska to southern California, also Atlantic and Gulf coasts and Caribbean
Aglaophenia strutbionides

Aglaophenia strutbionides is also called Feathery Hydroid.
Dainty Ostrich-plume Hydroid ______ CA pr (ASC:67,69)
Aglaophenia latirostris
Portuguese Man o'War (ph) ______ SC (SCMI:22) circumtropical, usually pelagic
Physalia physalis

The Portuguese Man o'War was described by Linnaeus in 1758. Previous species "Physalia utriculus" and "Physalia pelagica" have been merged into Physalia physalis.
"Physalia utriculus" is in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, among other places off Australia and in waters around Hawaii. It has been said to be smaller than Physalia physalis.

The swimming float length of Physalia physalis is to 12 inches. However, in the Gulf of California, it is only 2 to 3 inches.

Portuguese Man o'War
Blue Buttons ______ BJ CA SC (ASC:504) (SCMI:23) occurs in the Gulf of California, and as far north as central California, from the tropical Pacific
Porpita pacifica (was Porpita linneana)

As Blue Buttons do not have sails, they are blown ashore less frequently than the Portuguese Man o'War or the By-the-wind Sailor (both above).
In tropical waters, Blue Buttons can be seen by the thousands, dotting the water with blue for miles.
Purple Stylasterine ______ CA WA (ASC:124) from British Columbia, Canada to central California
Allopora porphyra
Stinging Hydroid ______ BJ SC (SCMI:22) in the central and southern Gulf of California, Baja California, circumtropical
Macrorhynchia philippina (formerly Lytocarpus nuttingi)
Palm Hydroid ______ BJ CA SC (SCMI:21) throughout the Gulf of California, also southern California
Corymorpha palma
Staghorn Hydrocoral ______ SC (SCMI:21) in the central and southern Gulf of California
Janaria mirabilis

CTENOPHORES: COMB JELLIES (Phyllum Ctenophora)
Cat's-eye Comb Jelly ______ CA pr
Pleurobrachia bachei

Other names for Pleurobrachia bachei are Sea Gooseberry, Sea Walnut, and Cat's-eye Ctenophore.

MOLLUSKS (SHELLS)

SEASHELLS are made by MOLLUSKS.

MOLLUSKS are invertebrate animals that produce shells of one or two pieces that wholly or partially enclose a soft body.

SHELLS are the skeletons of MOLLUSKS. Like the internal skeleton (endoskeleton) of a mammal, the external skeleton (exoskeleton) of mollusks function both for protection and as a place for muscle attachment.
A SHELL found on a beach is the skeletal remnant of a dead MOLLUSK.

MOLLUSKS are either snail-like animals with one shell (UNIVALVES, or GASTROPODS), or clam-like animals with two shells (BIVALVES). The two shells of a BIVALVE are held tightly together when the animal is alive.

A third group of MOLLUSKS are the CEPHALOPODS, including SQUIDS and OCTOPUSES. These animals lack external shells, having instead internal or rudimentary shells.

Shells collected along the shoreline of the Gulf of California
during the FONT Tour in Sonora, Mexico in August 2010

GASTROPODS (Class Gastropoda): snail-like mollusks with a one-part shell

ABALONES
Red Abalone ______ BJ CA pr (AS:425,677) (ASC:392,393) Oregon to Baja California, mostly in California from Monterey to San Luis Obispo Bay
Haliotis rufescens

Haliotis rufesscens is the largest abalone, 8 to 12 inches, and the most important commercially.
Pink Abalone ______ BJ CA (AS:422) from Monterey CA to central Baja California
Haliotis corrugata

Haliotis corrugata lives on rocks, intertidally and in water to 180 feet in depth. It feeds mainly on giant kelp, but also on other seaweeds.
Japanese Abalone ______ AK CA WA (AS:423) from Sitka AK to Point Conception CA
Haliotis kamtschatkana

The Japanese Abalone also occurs in Asia, in northern Japan and Siberia. It is also called the Pinto Abalone.

Because its shell is small and thin, the Japanese Abalone in western North America is not used commercially, although its flesh is delicious.
Threaded Abalone ______ BJ CA (AS:421) from Point Conception CA to central Baja California
Haliotis assimilis

The Threaded Abalone is sometimes said to be a subspecies of Haliotis kamtschatkana (above).
Black Abalone ______ BJ CA pr (AS:426) from Coos Bay OR to Baja California
Haliotis cracherodii
Haliotis cracherodii californiensis ______ subspecies by Guadalupe Island, off Baja California
Green Abalone ______ BJ CA (AS:424) from Point Conception CA to central Baja California
Haliotis fulgens

Severe exploitation has radically reduced the population of the Green Abalone.

LIMPETS and KEYHOLE LIMPETS

The shells in the genus below, Puncturella, are moderately common in shallow waters in the northern part of their range.
Hooded Puncturella ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:410) from Alaska to La Paz, Baja California
Puncturella cucullata
Helmet Puncturella ______ AK CA WA from the Aleutian islands south to southern California
Puncturella galeata
Linne's Puncturella ______ AK (AS:409) from the Arctic to the Aleutian islands
Puncturella noachina
Rough Keyhole Limpet ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:398) (ASC:391) from Alaska to Baja California
Diodora aspera
Rough Limpet ______ BJ SC (SCMI:43) from the Gulf of California to Ecuador, also on the Pacific coast of Baja California at Estero San Jose
Diodora inaequalis
Volcano Limpet ______ BJ CA pr (AS:411) (ASC:382) from Crescent City CA to Baja California
Fissurella volcano
Giant Keyhole Limpet ______ BJ CA (AS:407,678) (ASC:388) from Monterey CA to central Baja California
Megathura crenulata

Megathura crenulata is the largest known keyhole limpet, growing up to almost 5 inches long.
Two-spotted Keyhole Limpet ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:408) from southern Alaska to Baja California
Megatehennus himaculatus
White-cape Limpet ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:375) from Alaska to Baja California
Acmaea mitra
Corded White Limpet ______ AK BJ CA WA from Alaska to Baja California
Acmaea funiculata
Rosy Pacific Limpet ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:372) from southern Alaska to Baja California
Tectura rosacea
Northern Rose Limpet ______ AK in northern Alaska, also in Asia from eastern Siberia to Japan
Tectura sybaritica

The Northern Rose Limpet is abundant in northern Alaska.
Seaweed Limpet ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:380) (ASC:389) from southern Alaska to Baja California
Notoacmaea incessa
Pacific Plate Limpet ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:388) (ASC:385,386) from Alaska to Baja California
Notoacmaea scutum
Atlantic Plate Limpet ______ AK (AS:386) in western North America, from the Arctic to Alaska; also Atlantic coast
Notoacmaea testudinalis
Fenestrate Limpet ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:389) from Alaska to northern Baja California
Notoacmaea fenestrata
Notoacmaea fenestrata cribraria ______ AK CA WA subspecies from Alaska to northern California
Notoacmaea fenestrata fenestrata ______ BJ CA subspecies from Point Conception CA to northern Baja California
Mask Limpet ______ AK CA WA (AS:391) from Alaska to Monterey CA
Notoacmaea persona
Chaffy Limpet ______ BJ CA WA (AS:379) from Vancouver Island, Canada to northern Baja California
Notoacmaea paleacea
Painted Limpet ______
Notoacmaea depicta

Limpets in the genus below, COLLISELLA, were formerly in ACMAEA.
Ribbed Limpet ______ AK
Collisella digitalis
Shield Limpet ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:392) (ASC:387) from Alaska to Baja California
Collisella pelta

The largest Shield Limpets are in the northern part of the species' range.
Fingered Limpet ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:395) from Alaska to Baja California
Collisella digitalis
Strigate Limpet ______ BJ CA WA (AS:387) from Vancouver Island, Canada to Baja California
Collisella strigatella
Rough Limpet _____ BJ CA (AS:396) from southern Oregon to Baja California
Collisella scabra
Test's Limpet ______ BJ CA from Point Conception CA to Baja California
Collisella conus
File Limpet ______ BJ CA WA (AS:390) from Puget Sound, Washington to Baja California
Collisella limatula
Black Limpet ______ BJ CA WA (AS:376) from British Columbia to Baja California
Collisella asmi
Unstable Limpet ______ AK CA WA (AS:378) from Alaska to San Diego CA
Collisella instabilis
Giant Owl Limpet ______ BJ CA pr WA (AS:393) (C:390) from northern Washington State to central Baja California
Lottia gigantea

The Giant Owl Limpet is the largest limpet in North American waters, up to 4 and 1/4 inches, and it is the only member of its genus.
Northern Blind Limpet ______ AK WA (PS:41) from Alaska to Washington State
Lepeta caeca

TOP SHELLS
Helicina Margarite ______ AK (AS:293,681) in western North America, from the Arctic to Alaska; also Atlantic coast
Margarites helicinus
Vortex Margarite ______ AK CA WA (AS:302) from Alaska to southern California
Margarites vorticiferus
Northern Ridged Margarite ______ AK (AS:257) (PS:43) in western North America, from the Bering Strait to southern Alaska; also Atlantic coast
Margarites costalis

Another name for Margarites costalis is Northern Rosy Margarite.

Specimens of the Northern Ridged Margarite in Alaska are larger (up to 1 inch in width), and may be a distinct species.
Western Olive Margarite ______ AK WA (AS:309)   from Alaska to Oregon
Margarites marginatus

Margarites marginatus is sometimes said to be a subspecies of the Eastern Olive Margarite, Margarites olivaceus, of the north Atlantic Ocean.
Puppet Margarite ______ AK CA WA (AS:258) from the Bering Sea to southern California
Margarites pupillus

The Puppet Margarite is more common in the northern part of its range. Further south, it seeks cooler, deeper water.
Tucked Lirularia ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:298) from the Gulf of Alaska to northern Baja California
Lirularia succincta
Sharp-keeled Lirularia ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:256) from Sitka AK to northern Baja California
Lirularia acuticostata
Varicose Solarielle ______ AK CA WA (AS:313) in western North America, from Alaska to southern California; also Atlantic coast
Solariella varicosa

Alaska specimens of Solariella varicosa are usually larger than those of the Atlantic coast.
Obscure Solarielle ______ AK WA (AS:301) in western North America, from the Arctic to Washington State; also Atlantic coast
Solariella obscura
Granulose Top Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:260) from Monterey CA to Baja California
Calliostoma supragranosum
Gem Top Shell ______ BJ CA from San Francisco CA to northern Baja California
Calliostoma gemmulatum
Purple-ringed Top Shell ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:261,684) ASC:457) from southern Alaska to northern Baja California
Calliostoma annulatum

Calliostoma annulatum is more common in the northern part of its range.
Channeled Top Shell ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:254) from southern Alaska to northern Baja California
Calliostoma canaliculatum
Blue Top Snail ______ AK CA WA (AS:255) from Alaska to central California
Calliostoma ligatum

Another name for Calliostoma ligatum is Western Ribbed Top Shell. It was Calliostoma costatum, and was then called Costate Top Shell.
Norris Top Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:296) from Point Conception CA to central Baja California
Norrisia norrisi

The Norris Top Shell is abundant. It has a bright red animal.

TURBANS
Red Turban Shell ______ BJ CA pr WA (AS:270) (ASC:459) from British Columbia to Magdalena Bay, Baja California
Astraea gibberosa (formerly Astraea inaequalis)

Astraea gibberosa has also been called Red Top Shell.
Wavy Turban Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:266) from Point Conception CA to central Baja California
Astraea undosa

The Wavy Turban is abundant in shallow water in southern California.
Chevron Turban Shell ______ SC (SCMI:43) from the Gulf of California to Peru
Turbo fluctuosus
Brown Turban Shell ______
Tegula brunnea
Black Turban Shell ______ BJ CA pr WA (AS:277) (ASC:460) from Vancouver, British Columbia, to central Baja California
Tegula funebralis

Another name for Tegula funebralis is Black Tegula.
Speckled Turban Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:268) from Santa Barbara CA to Baja California
Tegula gallina

Another name for Tegula gallina is Speckled Tegula.
Dusky Turban Shell ______ AK CA WA (AS:265) from Alaska to Santa Barbara CA
Tegula pulligo

Another name for Tegula pulligo is Dusky Tegula.
Western Banded Turban Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:269) from Monterey CA to Baja California
Tegula eiseni (or Tegula mendella, was Tegula ligulata)

Another name for Tegula eiseni is Western Banded Tegula.
Dall's Dwarf Turban ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:299) from Sitka AK to northern Baja California
Homalopoma luridum

Carpenter's Dwarf Turban ______ AK WA
Homalopoma carpenteri

The Carpenter's Dwarf Turban is actually a form of the Dall's Dwarf Turban in the northern portion of its range.
It usually has a more striking reddish or purplish-red coloration when worn.
Berry Dwarf Turban ______ BJ CA WA from Puget Sound WA to Baja California
Homalopoma baculum
Pupoid Halistyle ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:219) from Alaska to Panama
Halistyus pupoides

Living specimens of the Pupoid Halistyle are found by dredging. Dead shells are often found on beaches.

PHEASANT SHELL
Californian Banded Pheasant Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:244) from Santa Barbara CA to northern Baja California
Tricolia compta

The Californian Banded Pheasant Shell is an abundant species often washed ashore.

CHINK SHELLS
Common Northern Lacuna ______ AK CA WA (AS:249,692) (PS:43) from Arctic waters to northern California
Lacuna vincta

Lacuna vincta is also referred to as the Chink Snail, or Common Northern Chink Shell.
One-banded Chink Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:236) from Monterey CA to Baja California
Lacuna unifasciata
Carinate Chink Shell ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to Monterey CA
Lacuna carinata

The Carinate Chink Shell is larger than the One-banded Chink Shell.

PERIWINKLES
Eroded Periwinkle ______ BJ CA pr WA from Puget Sound WA to Baja California
Littorina keenae (was Littorina planaxis)
Sikta Periwinkle ______ AK WA (AS:246) from northern Alaska to Puget Sound WA; also in Asia in Siberia and south to northern Honshu, Japan
Littorina sitkana

The sculpture and the color of the Sitka Periwinkle varies greatly,
Checkered Periwinkle ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:471) from Alaska to Baja California
Littorina scutulata
Northern Rough Periwinkle ______ AK (PS:43) in Alaska
Littorina saxatilis

RISSOIDS
Compact Alvinia ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:226) from Alaska to northern Baja California
Alvinia compacta (was Alvania compacta)

Compact Alvinias are often found in the marine growth on abalone shells.
Even-sculptured Merelina ______ BJ CA (AS:228) from Monterey By CA to northern Baja California
Merelina aequisculpta
Purple Merelina ______ BJ CA from Monterey Bay CA to northern Baja California
Merelina purpurea
California Barleeia ______ BJ CA (AS:221) from Sand Pedro CA to central Baja California
Barleeia californica

The California Barleeia is a tiny, smooth-shelled mollusk.

TRUNCATELLAS
California Truncatella ______ BJ CA (AS:225) from Santa Barbara CA to Baja California
Truncatella californica

The California Truncatella has both ribbed and smooth forms.

VITRINELLA SHELL
Upright Teinostoma ______ BJ CA (AS:314) from Los Angeles County CA to northern Baja California
Teinostoma supravallaatum

CAECUMS
Many-ringed Caecum ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:103) from Alaska to Baja California
Caecum crebricinctum

TURRET SHELLS (and WORM SHELLS)
Cooper's Turret Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:116) from Monterey Bay CA to central Baja California
Haustator cooperi (was Turritella cooperi)
Eroded Turret Shell ______ AK (AS:141) (PS:42) from Alaska to British Columbia
Tachyrhynchus erosum
Monterey Worm Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:98) from Monterey CA to northern Baja California
Petaloconchus montereyensis
Compact Worm Shell ______ CA WA from Washington State to California
Petaloconchus compactus
Scaled Worm Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:97) (ASC:476) from Santa Barbara CA to central Baja California
Serpulorbis squamigerus (or Dendropoma squamigerus)

Serpulorbis squamigerus is also called Scaly Worm Shell.
Flat Worm Shell ______ AK BJ CA WA from Alaska to central Baja California
Serpulorbis lituellus (or Dendropoma lituellus)

SUNDIAL
Common Sundial ______ BJ (AS288) (ASC:433) (PS:47) along the American Pacific coast, from Baja California to Peru
Architectonica nobilis (has been Solarium granulatum)

HORN SHELL
California Horn Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:123) from Bolinas Bay CA to Baja California
Cerithidea californica

CERITHS and BITTIUMS
California False Cerith ______ CA (introduced along the US Pacific Coast from Japan)
Batillaria attramentaria
Carpenter's Miniature Cerith ______ BJ CA (AS:137) from Crescent City CA to northern Baja California
Cerithiopsis carpenteri
Monterey Miniature Cerith ______ BJ CA from Monterey CA to Baja California
Scila montereyensis
Slender Bittium ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:133) from southern Alaska to northern Baja California
Bittium attenuatum
Four-threaded Bittium ______ BJ CA in southern California and Baja California
Bittium quadrifilatum
Giant Pacific Bittium ______ AK CA WA (AS:140) from Alaska to central California
Bittium eschrichtii

Bittium eschrichtii has been called Threaded Bittium.

TRIPHORAS
San Pedro Triphora ______ BJ CA (AS:134) from Monterey CA to northern Baja California
Triphora pedroana

The San Pedro Triphora is the most commonly encountered sinistral snail in southern California.

PURPLE SEA-SNAILS
Elongated Purple Sea Snail ______ (PS:47) the North American Pacific coast in warm waters; also the Atlantic coast
Janthina globosa
Common Purple Sea Snail ______ (AS:312,682) (PS:47) the North American Pacific coast in warm waters, south of San Diego CA; also the Atlantic coast
Janthina janthina

The Common Purple Sea Snail was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Dwarf Purple Sea Snail ______ (PS:47) the North American Pacific coast in warm waters; also Atlantic coast
Janthina exigya
Pallid Purple Sea Snail ______ (PS:47) worldwide in warm seas, pelagic
Janthina pallida

WENTLETRAPS
Greenland Wentletrap ______ AK (PS:48) circumpolar, along the North American Pacific coast in Alaska
Epitonium greenlandicum

The name "wentletrap" is derived from the Dutch language and means "spiral staircase".
Tinted Wentletrap ______ BJ CA WA (AS:206) from Vancouver, British Columbia to Baja California
Epitonium tinctum
Coral Wentletrap ______ SC (SCMI:44) throughout the Gulf of California to Ecuador
Epitonium billeanum
Scallop-edged Wentletrap ______ BJ CA (AS:213) from southern California to Panama
Opalia funiculata
Wroblewski's Wentletrap ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to San Diego CA
Opalia wroblewskii

Oplaia wroblewskii is larger than Oplaia funiculata.
Hooked Slipper Tail ______
Crepidula adunca

HOOF SHELLS
Washington Hoof Shell ______ CA WA from Vancouver, British Columbia to Monterey CA
Antisabia aniquata
Bearded Hoof Shell ______ BJ SC (AS:381) from the Gulf of California to Ecuador
Pilosabia trigona (was Hipponix pilosus)

The Bearded Hoof Shell is an abundant species in Baja California and elsewhere along the Mexican coast of the Pacific.

HAIRY-KEELED SNAIL
Northern Hairy-keeled Snail ______ AK (AS:35) in the northern Pacific, from Alaska to British Columbia
Trichotropis borealis

Another name for Trichotropis borealis is Boreal Hairy-shell.

SLIPPER SHELLS (and Cup-and-Saucer Shell)
Common Slipper Shell ______ CA WA (AS:420,676) (ASC:462) (PS:49) in Washington State, California
Crepidula fornicata

The Common Slipper Shell is introduced in California from the North American east coast. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Spiny Slipper Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:417) (PS:49) along the American Pacific coast from central California to Chile, also along the North American Atlantic coast
Crepidula aculeata

Crepidula aculeata is rather rare in California.
Convex Slipper Shell ______ (AS:418)
Crepidula convexa

The Convex Slipper Shell has been introduced to the North American Pacific coast from the east coast of the continent.
Onyx Slipper Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:419) from Monterey CA to Peru
Crepidula onyx

As it is abundant in its range, it is not surprising that the Onyx Slipper Shell was among the first Crepidula species to be found in Pacific waters.
Pacific Half-slipper Shell ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:415) from northern Alaska to central Baja California
Crepipatella ligulata
Pacific Chinese Hat ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to southern California
Calyptraea fastigiata
Spiny Cup-and-Saucer ______ BJ CA (AS:416) from San Pedro CA to Chile
Crucibulum spinosum

CONCH SHELLS

None of the CONCH SHELLS of the Pacific coast reach as far north as southern California.
Knobby Fighting Conch ______ SC (SCMI:43) from the Gulf of California to Peru
Strombus granulatus
Smooth Conch ______ SC (SCMI:44) from the Gulf of California to Peru
Strombus gracilior
Cortez Conch ______ SC (SCMI:44) from the Gulf of California to Ecuador
Strombus galeatus

LAMELLARIA SHELL
Smooth Velutina ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to California
Velutina velutina

PARASITIC SEA SNAILS (Family Eulimidae)
Parasitic Cup Shell ______ SC (SCMI:45) from the central Gulf of California to Panama
Thyca callista

The Parasitic Cup Shell is found on the oral arm surface of the sea stars: Phataria unifascialis and Pharia pyramidata.

ERATO SHELLS and TRIVIAS
Apple Seed Erato ______ BJ CA (AS:330) from Bodega Bay CA to central Baja California
Erato vitellina
Californian Trivia ______ BJ CA (AS:318) from Crescent City CA to Acapulco, Mexico
Trivia californiana

With the growth of cities and industry in southern California, the Californian Trivia can no longer be found in many places where it was abundant.
Solander's Trivia ______ SC (SCMI:46) throughout the Gulf of California to Peru, and north from Baja California to southern California
Trivia solandri

COWRIES and CARINARIA
Chestnut Cowrie ______ BJ CA (AS:322) (ASC:444) from Monterey CA to central Baja California
Neobernaya spadicea (formerly Cypraea spadicea)

Neobernaya spadicea is the only cowrie that occurs in California waters. It is rarely found north of Santa Barbara.
White-spotted Cowrie ______ BJ SC (SCMI:46) from the central Gulf of California to Ecuador, also Rocas Alijos in Baja California
Erosaria albuginosa (formerly Cypraea albuginosa)
Orange-tip Cowrie ______ SC (SCMI:46) from the central Gulf of California to Ecuador
Luria isabellamexicana (formerly Cypraea isabellamexicana)
Panamic Deer Cowrie ______ SC (SCMI:47) throughout the Gulf of California to Peru
Macrocypraea cervinetta (formerly Cypraea cervinetta)
Annette's Cowrie ______ BJ SC (SCMI:47) throughout the Gulf of California to Mazatlan, Mexico; also Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California
Zonaria annettae (formerly Cypraea annettae)
Fine-tooth Cowrie ______ SC (SCMI:47) from the central Gulf of California to Peru
Mauritia arabicula (formerly Cypraea arabicula)
Ridged Cowrie ______ (SCMI:48) from the northern Gulf of California to Ecuador
Cyphoma emarginatum
Lamarck's Carinaria ______ (PS:47) in the eastern Pacific, pelagic in warm seas
Carinaria lamarcki

The Lamarck's Carinaria is very rare in collections.

ATLANTA
Peron's Atlanta ______ (PS:53) off the west coast of North America, pelagic
Atlanta peroni

Specimens of Atlanta peroni are on occasion washed up on coasts after storms.

MOON SHELLS and NATICAS
Lewis' Moon Snail ______ BJ CA WA (AS:303) from Vancouver Island, Canada to northern Baja California
Polinices lewisii

Polinices lewisii is the largest living moon shell. It is named after Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, 1804-1806, who brought back specimens of the shell that were found by the mouth of the Columbia River.
Striped Moon Snail ______ BJ SC (SCMI:45) throughout the Gulf of California to Panama, and parts of Baja California
Polinices bifasciatus
Pale Northern Moon Shell ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to California
Lunatia pallida

Polinices borealis and Polinices groenlandica are synonyms of Lunatia pallida.
Recluz's Moon Shell ______ BJ CA SC (AS:305) from Santa Barbara CA to the Gulf of California
Neverita reclusiana
Western Baby's Ear ______ BJ CA (AS:306) from Monterey Bay CA to northern Baja California
Sinum scupulosum
Arctic Natica ______ AK CA WA (AS:297) (PS:54) circumpolar, in the eastern Pacific from the Alaska to San Diego CA
Natica clausa

HELMET SHELLS
Thin-shell Helmet ______ BJ SC (SCMI:49) from Baja California and the central Gulf of California to Peru
Cypraecassis tenuis (formerly Cassis tenuis)
Narrow Helmet ______ SC (SCMI:49) throughout the Gulf of California to Peru
Cassis coarctata
Spotted Bonnet ______ BJ SC (SCMI:49) from Baja California and throughout the Gulf of California to Peru
Semicassis centiquadrata (formerly Cassis centiquadrata)
Yellow-mouth Helmet ______ SC (SCMI:50) throughout the Gulf of California to Peru
Morum tuberculosum

TRITON and DWARF TRITONS
Oregon Hairy Triton ______ AK CA WA (AS:51) (ASC:418) from the Bering Sea to San Diego CA, also south to northern Japan
Fusitriton oregonensis
Carpenter's Dwarf Triton ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:39)   from Alaska to northern Baja California
Ocenebra interfassa

Another name for Ocenebra interfassa is Sculptured Rock Shell.

Clathrae Dwarf Triton ______ BJ CA WA   from Washington State to Baja California
Ocenebra atropurpurea

Ocenebra atropurpurea is said to be conspecific with Ocenebra interfassa.
Dim Dwarf Triton ______ BJ CA (AS:28) from Monterey CA to southern Baja California
Ocenebra foveolata
Graceful Dwarf Triton ______ BJ CA (AS:47) from Monterey CA to northern Baja California
Ocenebra gracillima

In southern California, the Graceful Dwarf Triton is abundant on wharf pilings.
Lurid Dwarf Triton ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:48) from Sitka AK to northern Baja California
Ocenebra lurida

The Lurid Dwarf Triton is common at low tide level north of Point Conception CA. Further south, it is deeper water.
Poulson's Dwarf Triton ______ BJ CA (AS:43) (ASC:410) from Santa Barbara CA to southern Baja California
Ocenebra poulsoni (or Roperia poulsoni)

Other names for Ocenebra poulsonii are Poulson's Rock Shell or Poulson's Rock Snail.

The Poulson's Dwarf Triton, or Rock Shell, is the most common Ocenebra species in southern California.
By some the genus Roperia is used due to the distinctive radula.

FROG SHELLS
California Frog Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:70) Monterey Bay CA to Baja California
Bursa californica

MUREX SHELLS (including DRILLS)
Giant Forreria ______ BJ CA (AS:16) from Point Mugu CA to central Baja California
Forreria belcheri

Another name for Forreria belcheri is Belcher's Chorus Shell.
Nuttall's Thorn Purpura ______ BJ CA (AS:30) from Point Conception CA to southern Baja California
Ceratostoma nuttalli

Another name for Ceratostoma nuttalli is Nuttall's Hornmouth.
Leafy Thorn Purpura ______ AK CA WA (AS:32) (ASC:436) from Alaska to San Pedro CA
Ceratostoma foliatum

Other names for Ceratostoma foliatum are Leafy Hornmouth and Foliated Thorn Purpura.

The shell of Ceratostoma foliatum varies in size and color.
Those in the Puget Sound area and northward are darker and larger.
Those in southern Oregon and California are smaller and white.
in central Oregon, the shells are white with brown bands.
Frill-wing Murex ______ BJ CA (AS:33) from Monterey Bay CA to northern Baja California
Pteropurpura macroptera
Festive Murex ______ BJ CA (AS29) from Santa Barbara CA to Baja California
Pteropurpura festiva

Another name for Pteropurpura festiva is Festive Rock Shell.
Atlantic Oyster Drill ______ CA pr WA (ASC:407) along Pacific coast from Washington State to central California
Urosalpinx cinerea

The Atlantic Oyster Drill is introduced along the North American Pacific coast from the Atlantic coast.
Gem Murex ______ BJ CA (AS:31) from Santa Barbara CA to central Baja California
Maxwellia gemma

DOGWINKLES
Frilled Dogwinkle ______ AK CA WA (AS:34) from the Bering Strait AK to central California
Nucella lamellosa
File Dogwinkle ______ AK CA WA (AS:53) Alaska to northern California
Nucella lima
Channeled Dogwinkle ______ AK CA pr WA from Alaska to Monterey CA
Nucella canaliculata

Another name for Nucella canaliculata is Channeled Dog Whelk.
Emarginate Dogwinkle ______ AK CA pr WA (AS:65) (ASC:414) from Alaska to northern California
Nucella emarginata

Another name for Nucella ermarginata is Emarginated Dog Whelk.

DRUPES (or UNICORNS)
Western Blackberry Drupe ______ BJ CA (AS:45) from San Diego CA to Panama
Morula lugubris
Angular Thorn Drupe ______ BJ CA pr (AS:49) from central California to northern Baja California
Acanthina spirata

Acanthina spirata is also known as the Spotted Thorn Drupe, or Angular Unicorn, or Unicorn Whelk.
Checkered Thorn Drupe ______ BJ CA (AS:67) from San Pedro CA to central Baja California
Acanthina paucilirata

Another name for Acanthina paucilirata is Checkered Unicorn.
Spotted Thorn Drupe ______ BJ CA (ASC:409) from Monterey CA to northern Baja California
Acanthina punctulata

Another name for Acanthina punctulata is Spotted Unicorn.
Lugubrious Thorn Drupe ______ BJ CA (AS:68) from San Diego CA to southern Baja California
Acanthina lugubris

Acanthina lugubris is also known as the Sad Unicorn. It is very common in Baja California, rare in southern California.

DOVE SHELLS
Gould's Dove Shell ______ AK CA WA (AS:155) from central Alaska to San Diego CA
Alia gausapata (or Nitidella gouldi)

The Gould's Dove Shell is often confused with the Carinate Dove Shell (below).
Carinate Dove Shell ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:154) from southern Alaska to southern Baja California
Alia carinata (or Nitidella carinata, or Mitrella carinata)

The Carinate Dove Shell is also known as the Keeled Dove Shell.
Joseph's Coat Amphissa ______ BJ CA WA (AS:159) from Vancouver Island BC to northern Baja California
Amphissa versicolor
Columbian Amphissa ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to southern California
Amphissa columbiana
Rosy Northern Dove Shell ______ AK (AS:157) in Alaska, also North American Atlantic coast and Europe
Astyris rosacea
Penciled Dove Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:191) from San Simeon CA to central Baja California
Nassarina penicillata
Stained Dove Shell ______ BJ SC (SCMI:45) throughout the Gulf of California and Baja California to Ecuador
Strombina maculosa

WHELKS (and CROWNED CONCHS)

Also included here are: BUCCINUM, NEPTUNE, MACRON, NASSAS.
Baer's Buccinum ______ AK (AS:152) in the areas of the Bering Sea and Aleutian islands, east to Kodiak Island AK
Buccinum baerii
Common Northwest Neptune ______ AK CA WA (ASC:420,425) (AS:54) from the Arctic to central California, also south to northern Japan
Neptunea lyrata

Other names for Neptunea lyrata are Corded Neptune and Ridged Whelk.
Keller's Whelk ______ BJ CA (AS:88) from Point Conception CA to central Baja California
Kelletia kelletii
Dire Whelk ______ AK CA WA (AS:50) from Alaska to northern California
Searlesia dira
Livid Macron ______ BJ CA (AS:144) from Orange County CA to central Baja California
Macron lividus
Channeled Whelk (ph) ______ CA (ASC:417) (AS:79) introduced in CA, in area of the San Francisco Bay, from eastern North America
Busycon canaliculatum

A grouping of Channeled Whelks
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Mud Dog Whelk ______ CA pr WA (ASC:452) (AS:150) on the North American Pacific coast from Vancouver Island BC to central California
Hynassa obsoleta (or Nassarius obsoletus)

The Mud Dog Whelk is introduced in central California, originally from eastern North America.
Other names for it are Eastern Mud Whelk, Eastern Mud Nassa, and Mud Basket Shell.
Western Mud Whelk ______ BJ CA (AS:169) from Santa Barbara CA to central Baja California
Nassarius tegula

Another name for Nassarius tegula is Western Mud Nassa.
Western Fat Dog Whelk ______ BJ CA (AS:162) from central California to central Baja California
Nassarius perpinguis

Another name for Nassarius perpinguis is Western Fat Nassa.
Western Lean Nassa ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:170) from Kodiak Island AK to central Baja California
Nassarius mendicus
Giant Western Nassa ______ BJ CA pr WA (ASC:411) (AS:161) from Vancouver Island BC to central Baja California
Nassarius fossatus

Other names for Nassarius fossatus are Channeled Nassa and Channeled Dog Whelk.

SPINDLE SHELLS
Painted Spindle Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:46) from Monterey Bay CA to northern Baja California
Fusinus luteopictus
Kobelt's Spindle Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:89) from Santa Barbara CA to central Baja California
Fusinus kobelti
Santa Barbra Spindle Shell ______ CA (AS:90) from Oregon to San Diego CA
Fusinus barbarensis

OLIVE SHELLS

The Indians of central California used OLIVE SHELLS to make necklaces and decorate their clothing.
Purple Dwarf Olive ______ BJ CA WA (ASC:447) (AS:342) from Vancouver Island BC to Baja California
Olivella biplicata
San Pedro Dwarf Olive ______ BJ CA WA (AS:337) from Puget Sound to Baja California
Olivella pedroana
Baetic Dwarf Olive ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:338) from Alaska to southern Baja California
Olivella haetica
Pygmy Olive ______ SC (SCMI:56) throughout the Gulf of California to Mazatlan, Mexico
Olivella dama

MITER SHELL
Ida's Miter ______ BJ CA (ASC:400) from northern California to Baja California
Mitra idae

NUTMEG
Couthouy's Nutmeg ______ CA in California
Admete couthouyi

MARGIN SHELLS
Californian Margin Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:352) from Point Conception CA to Ecuador
Volvarina taeniolata
Pear-shaped Margin Shell ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:335) from Alaska to Panama
Granulina margaritula
Jewitt's Margin Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:333) from Monterey CA to central Baja California
Cystiscus jewetti
Polished Margin Shell ______ BJ CA from Santa Barbara CA to Baja California
Cystiscus politulus

CONE SHELLS
California Cone ______ BJ CA (ASC:445) (AS:1) from San Francisco CA to southern Baja California
Conus californicus
Brown Cone ______ SC (SCMI:56) throughout the Gulf of California to Ecuador
Conus brunneus
Princely Cone Shell ______ BJ SC (SCMI:56) along the Baja California coast, and throughout the Gulf of California to Colombia
Conus princeps
Purple Cone ______ SC (SCMI:57) throughout the Gulf of California to Peru
Conus purpurascens
Dall's Cone ______ SC (SCMI:57) from the central Gulf of California to Ecuador
Conus dalli
Step-spire Cone Shell ______ BJ SC (SCMI:57) the Pacific coast of Mexico including the Gulf of California
Conus scalaris
Ferguson's Giant Cone ______ SC (SCMI:58) throughout the Gulf of California to Ecuador
Conus fergusoni

The Ferguson's Giant Cone is the largest of the eastern Pacific cones.
Midas Cone Shell ______ SC (SCMI:58) from the central Gulf of California to Ecuador
Conus xanthicus
Pygmy Cone Shell ______ SC (SCMI:58) from the Gulf of California to Ecuador
Conus nux
Fine-spot Cone Shell ______ SC (SCMI:59) throughout the Gulf of California to Peru
Conus ximenes
Bartsch's Cone Shell ______ BJ SC (SCMI:59) from Bahia Magdalena (in Baja California) south to Peru, throughout the Gulf of California
Conus bartschi

AUGER SHELLS
Dana's Auger ______ BJ CA (AS:129) from Redondo Beach CA to southern Baja California
Terebra danai
San Pedro Auger ______ BJ CA from San Pedro CA to southern Baja California
Terebra pedroana
Zebra Auger ______ BJ SC (SCMI:59) throughout the Gulf of California to Ecuador, also Baja California
Terebra strigata

TURRET, or TURRID SHELLS
Carpenter's Turrid ______ BJ CA (AS:142) from central California to central Baja California
Megasurcula carpenteriana
Dall's Turrid ______ SC (AS:87) in the Gulf of California
Knefastia dalli
Harp Lora ______ AK WA (AS:178) along the North American Pacific coast from Alaska to Puget Sound, also Atlantic coast
Oenopota harpularia

PYRAMID SHELLS
Adams' Pyram ______ BJ CA SC (AS:118) from San Pedro CA to the Gulf of California
Pyramidella adamsi
Helga Odostome ______ BJ CA (AS:217) from Los Angeles CA to northern Baja California
Odostomia helga
Girdled Odostome ______ CA (AS:218) in California, from Santa Barbara to San Diego
Odostomia cincta (or Chrysallida cincta)

Putting the above two genera aside, the Girdled Odostome may belong to the genus Boonea.
Little Pillar Turbonille ______ BJ CA SC (AS:130) from Monterey CA to the Gulf of California
Turbonilla stylina

What are now several species similar to Turbonilla stylina may prove to be merely forms of it.

various BUBBLE SHELLS and allies
Carpenter's Baby Bubble ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:351) from southern Alaska to central Baja California
Rictaxis punctocaelatus
Western Barrel Bubble ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:350) from Kodiak Island AK to central Baja California
Tornatina culcitella
Tornatina culcitella eximia ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to Monterey CA
Brown's Barrel Bubble ______ AK CA WA (AS:358) along the Pacific coast from the Bering Sea to San Diego CA, also Atlantic coast
Cylichna alba
Arctic Barrel Bubble ______ AK (AS:360) in Alaska, also along the Atlantic coast of North America and in northern Europe
Retusa obtusa
California Bubble ______ BJ CA SC (ASC:464) (AS:366) from Santa Barbara CA to the Gulf of California
Bulla gouldiana

Bulla gouldiana is the largest bubble shell in the world.
Green Paper Bubble ______ BJ CA SC WA (AS:368) from Puget Sound to the Gulf of California
Haminoea virescens
White Paper Bubble ______ AK BJ CA SC WA (ASC:463) from Alaska to the Gulf of California
Haminoea vesicula

Another name for Haminoea vesicula is Gould's Paper Bubble.

ELLOBIUM SHELLS
Californian Melampus ______ BJ CA SC (AS:364) from southern California to the Gulf of California
Melampus olivaceus

In California, Melampus olivaceus is known as the Salt Marsh Snail. Another name is Olive Ear Snail.
Once-grooved Pedipes ______ BJ CA SC (AS:233) from Los Angeles CA to the Gulf of California
Pedipes unisulcatus
Mouse-ear Ovatella _____ CA WA (AS:232) along the Pacific coast from British Columbia, Canada to central California, also North American Atlantic coast, and Europe
Ovatella myosotis

FALSE LIMPETS
Carpenter's False Limpet ______ AK (AS:377) from Alaska to Vancouver Island BC
Siphonaria thersites
Pelta False Limpet ______ BJ CA (AS:385) from northern California to southern Mexico
Williamia peltoides

TUSK SHELLS
Indian Money Tusk ______ AK CA WA (AS:105) from Alaska to southern California
Dentalium pretiosum

The Indians of northwestern North America valued Dentalium pretosum shells, using them as currency and for decoration.
The Nootka Indians of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, fished for them, using a dredge-like apparatus. Others impaled them with pronged spears. As currency, they spread as far east as the Dakotas.
Six-sided Tusk ______ BJ CA (AS:107) from Monterey CA to Baja California
Dentalium neohexagonum

SEA BUTTERFLIES (and NAKED SEA BUTTERFLIES)
Gibbose Cavoline ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Cavolinia gibbosa
Three-toothed Cavoline ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Cavolinia tridentata
Uncinate Cavoline ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Cavolinia uncinata
Three-spined Cavoline ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Diacria trispinosa
Four-toothed Cavoline ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Diacria quadridentata
Cuspidate Clio ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Clio cuspidata
Pyramid Clio ______ (PS:65) worldwide, pelagic in arctic and temperate seas
Clio pyramidata

The Pyramid Clio was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
Wavy Clio ______ worldwide, pelagic in warm and temperate seas
Clio recurva
Common Clione ______ (PS:68) in western North America off Alaska, also off eastern North America and Europe
Clione limacina

The Common Clione is a food of whales. Sometimes it is washed ashore after strong winds.
Keeled Clio ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Styliola subula
Straight Needle Pteropod ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Creseis acicula
Curved Needle Pteropod ______ in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans; pelagic, abundant near the ocean surface
Creseis virgula
Cigar Pteropod ______ worldwide, pelagic in temperate and tropical seas
Cuvierina columnella (was Herse columnella)

SEA HARES

SEA HARES are so-called because of the resemblance of their second pair of antennae to a hare's long ears, and the similarity of the animal's general shape to that of a crouched hare.
Like their namesakes, SEA HARES are herbivorous. They eat a variety of red, green, and brown algae - and from the pigment of the algae, they derive their color. SEA HARES also eat eelgrass.
California Sea Hare ______ BJ CA pr SC (ASC:209) (SCMI:60) from northern California to Baja California, and throughout the Gulf of California
Aplysia californica

Another name for Aplysia californica is Brown Sea Hare. It is perhaps the world's largest gastropod, attaining a length of 30 inches, a width of 15 inches, and a weight of 35 pounds.
Blunt-end Sea Hare ______ SC (SCMI:61) from the central Gulf of California to Ecuador, circumtropical
Dolabella auricularia

NUDIBRANCHS and allies

NUDIBRANCHS are multicolored "sea slugs" that, because of their delicate beauty, have been called "butterflies of the sea".
At Duxbury Reef, at Point Reyes, California, more than 20 species of nudibranchs have been identified during a single visit. Although they occur in the higher tidal zones, it is in the lower areas that these brilliantly-colored naked snails come "into their own".
Navanax ______ BJ CA SC (ASC:234) (SCMI:60) from central California to Baja California, and throughout the Gulf of California and south to Panama
Navanax inermis (or Chelidonura inermis)

Another name for Navanax inermis is California Aglaja.
Hairy Doris ______ AK WA (ASC:222) along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Puget Sound, also North American Atlantic coast
Acanthodoris pilosa
Sea Lemon ______ BJ CA pr WA (ASC:228) from British Columbia to Baja California
Anisodoris nobilis
Pacific Ancula ______ CA WA from British Columbia to southern California
Ancula gibbosa
White Knight Doris ______ AK CA WA (ASC:224) from Alaska to southern California
Archidoris odhneri
Monterey Doris ______ AK CA WA (ASC:231) from Alaska to southern California
Archidoris montereyensis
Yellow-edged Cadlina ______ BJ CA WA (ASC:225) from British Columbia to Baja California
Cadlina luteomarginata
Ringed Doris ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:221) from Alaska to Baja California
Diaulula sandiegensis
Salted Doris ______ BJ CA (ASC:227) from northern California to Baja California
Doriopsilla albopunctata
Hopkin's Rose ______ BJ CA pr (ASC:199) from Oregon to Baja California
Hopkinsia rosacea
Blue-and-gold Nudibranch ______ BJ CA (ASC:233) from central California to Baja California
Hypselodoris californicus
Rough-mantled Doris ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:229,230) along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California, also North American Atlantic coast
Onchidoris bilamellata
Crimson Doris ______ BJ CA pr WA (ASC:226) from British Columbia to Baja California
Rostanga pulchra

The tiny, bright scarlet shell-less Rostanga pulchra forage on red siliceous sponges that they find by scent.
Sea Clown Nudibranch ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:206) from Alaska to Baja California
Triopha catalinae (formerly T. carpenteri)
Spotted Triopha ______ BJ CA pr from northern California to Baja California
Triopha maculata

Larger forms of Triopha maculata were once Triopha grandis.
Bushy-backed Sea Slug ______ AK CA WA (ASC:208) along the Pacific coast from Alaska to California, also North American Atlantic coast
Dendronotus frondosus
Red-gilled Nudibranch ______ (ASC:202) along the Pacific coast in British Columbia, Canada; also North American Atlantic coast.
Coryphella rufibranchialis
Maned Nudibranch ______ AK CA WA (PS:73) along the Pacific coast from Alaska to southern California, also North American Atlantic coast, and Europe
Aeolidia papillosa

Another name for Aeolidia papillosa is Papillose Eolis.. It was described by Linnaeus in 1761.
Frond Eolis ______ AK CA WA (PS:71) along the Pacific coast from Alaska to southern California, also the North American Atlantic coast, Europe, Japan
Dendronotus frondosus
Elegant Eolid ______ BJ CA WA (ASC:200) from British Columbia to Baja California
Flabellinopsis iodinea
Hermissenda Nudibranch ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:201) from Alaska to Baja California
Hermissenda crassicornis

Hermissenda crassicornis is also called simply Hermissenda.
Lion Nudibranch ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:220) from Alaska to Baja California
Melibe leonina

BIVALVES (Class Bivalva)
Pacific Crenulate Nut Clam ______ CA (AS:540) from San Francisco CA to Peru
Nucula exigua
Muller's Nut Clam ______ AK (AS:554) from northern Alaska to British Columbia
Nuculana pernula
Minute Nut Clam ______ AK CA WA along the Pacific Coast from the Arctic Ocean to California
Nuculana minuta
File Yoldia ______ AK CA WA (AS:553) (ASC:300) (PS:19) occurs from Alaska to San Diego, CA
Yoldia limatula
Comb Yoldia ______ AK WA (PS:18) from Alaska to the Puget Sound
Yoldia myalis
Broad Yoldia ______ AK WA (PS:19) along the Pacific Coast from the Arctic Ocean to Oregon
Yoldia thraciaeformis
Baily's Miniature Ark ______ CA (AS:467) from Santa Monica CA to the Gulf of California
Acar baileyi
West Coast Bittersweet ______ AK CA WA (AS:497) from Alaska to southern California
Glycymeris subobsoleta

Glycymeris subobsoleta occurs most commonly between southern British Columbia and Oregon.

MUSSELS
Capax Horse Mussel ______ BJ CA (AS:633) from Santa Cruz CA to Peru
Modiolus capax

Another name for Modiolus capax is Fat Horse Mussel.

Large masses of these mussels attach themselves by the byssus to rocks and wharf pilings in bays.
Single shells live in sheltered pools along the open coast.
Northern Horse Mussel ______ AK CA pr WA (AS:634,675) (ASC:294) (PS:20) along the Pacific Coast from the Arctic to Monterey, California
Modiolus modiolus

The Northern Horse Mussel was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Fan-shaped Horse Mussel ______ BJ CA SC WA (AS:624) from Vancouver Island to the Gulf of California
Modiolus rectus

Another name for Modiolus rectus has been Straight Horse Mussel.
Discord Mussel ______ AK WA occurs from Arctic seas to Puget Sound, in Washington State
Musculus discors

The Discord Mussel was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
Black Mussel ______ AK WA (AS:637) occurs from Arctic seas to Puget Sound, in Washington State
Musculus niger

Other names for Musculus niger are Little Black Mussel, and Black Musculus.
Ribbed Mussel ______ CA
Ischadium demissum

The Ribbed Mussel was introduced into California from eastern North America.
Blue Mussel (ph) ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:638) (ASC:293) (PS:20) along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to southern Baja California
Mytilus edulis

Another name for Mytilus edulis is Bay Mussel. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

Above: shells of Blue Mussel
Below: not only do people enjoy the taste of mussels,
so do cats, including this one named Herman.
(lower photo by Rise Hill)
California Mussel ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:639) (ASC:292) from Alaska to central Mexico
Mytilus californianus

Mytilus californianus grows to a larger size than any other mussel. Large, elongated shells occur on rocky, exposed coasts. Smaller, broader shells are in more sheltered bays.
Stearns' Mussel ______ BJ CA SC (AS:645) from central California to the Gulf of California
Hormomya adamsiana

Another name for Hormomya adamsiana is Adams' Mussel. It is a variable species that lives in clusters.
Bifurcate Mussel ______ BJ CA (AS:642) from Crescent City CA to southern Baja California
Septifer bifurcatus
Feathered Date Mussel ______ SC from the Gulf of California to Peru
Lithophaga plumula
Lithophaga plumula kelseyi ______ Kelsey's Date Mussel CA (AS:628) from Mendocino County CA to San Diego CA

PEARL OYSTER
Panamic Pearl Oyster ______ SC (SCMI:39) from the Gulf of California to Peru
Pinctada mazatlantica

PEN SHELL
Panamic Pen Shell ______ SC (SCMI:40) from the Gulf of California to Peru
Pinna rugosa

SCALLOPS
Iceland Scallop ______ AK WA (AS:459) (ASC:355) (PS:22) from Alaska to Puget Sound
Chlamys islandicus
Giant Pacific Scallop ______ AK CA WA (AS:461) from central Alaska to northern California
Patinopecten caurinus

Patinopecten caurinus is the largest living scallop. It is also known as the Weathervane Scallop.
Commercial fishermen trawling for bottom-feeding fish sometimes bring up large numbers of Patinopecten caurinus.
Giant Rock Scallop ______ BJ CA pr WA (AS:449) (ASC:351) from British Columbia to central Baja California
Hinnites giganteus
Pacific Pink Scallop ______ AK CA WA (AS:458)   from southern Alaska to Santa Barbara, California
Chlamys hastata hericius

Another subspecies:
Chlamys hastata hastata ______ Pacific Spear Scallop CA   in California, from Monterey to San Diego

The Pacific Pink Scallop and the Hind's Scallop (below) are usually covered by or encased in the sponges Myxilla incrustans and Mycale adhaerans.
Hind's Scallop ______ AK CA WA (AS:460) from Alaska to Monterey CA
Chlamys rubida
Pacific Calico Scallop ______ BJ CA SC (AS:455) (SCMI:40) from Santa Barbara CA to Peru
Argopecten ventricosus (formerly Argopecten circularis)

Shells from the northern part of the above range are less convex, less inflated, and less brightly colored.
They have been called the Speckled Scallop, Argopecten aequisulatus.
Wide-eared Scallop ______ BJ CA SC (AS:453) from Point Reyes CA to the Gulf of California
Leptopecten latianratus

Leptopecten latianratus is also called the Kelp-weed Scallop. This common species usually attaches itself by a byssus to wooden pilings, floating barges, and other hard objects.
Pacific Lion's Paw ______ SC (SCMI:41) from the Gulf of California to Peru
Nodipecten subnodosus (formerly Lyropecten subnodosus)

FILE SHELLS
Delicate File Shell ______ SC (SCMI:41) from the Gulf of California to Ecuador
Lima tetrica
Small-eared File Shell ______ AK CA WA along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Mexico
Limatula subauriculata
Hemphill's Lima ______ CA from Monterey CA to Acapulco, Mexico
Limaria hemphilli
Swimming File Shell ______ SC (SCMI:42) from the Gulf of California to Peru
Limaria pacifica

JUNGLE SHELLS
Peruvian Jingle Shell ______ CA (AS:667) from Monterey CA south to Peru
Anomia peruviana
False Pacific Jingle Shell ______ AK CA pr WA (AS:668) (ASC:344)   from Alaska to Baja California
Pododesmus macrochisma
Pododesmus macrochisma macrochisma ______ AK CA WA   from Alaska to Monterey CA
Pododesmus macrochisma cepio ______ Abalone Jingle CA pr   from Monterey CA to Baja California

Another name for Pododesmus macrochisma is Pearly Monia.

OYSTERS
Giant Pacific Oyster ______ AK CA pr WA (AS:663) (ASC:290) from southern Alaska to northern California, originally Japan
Crassostrea gigas

Crassostrea gigas is also called Japanese Oyster, Pacific Oyster, or Miyagi Oyster.
It was introduced in western North America from Japan, and now it is the principal commercial oyster along the northwestern coast.
Native Pacific Oyster ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:662) (ASC:291) from southern Alaska to southern Baja California
Ostrea lurida

Other names for Ostra lurida are Olympia Oyster and California Oyster. It is the common native oyster of the North American Pacific Coast, and has long been harvested commercially.
Many claim that its flavor is far superior to that of any other oyster.

An unsuccessful attempt was made to introduce the Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica to the Pacific Coast.
Giant Oyster ______ SC (SCMI:40) in the eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California to Ecuador
Hyotissa hyotis (formerly Ostrea fisheri)
Purple--lip Rock Oyster ______ SC (SCMI:41) from the Gulf of California to Peru
Spondylus calcifer
Nuttall's Lucine ______ BJ CA SC (AS:495) from Monterey CA to the Gulf of California
Parvilucina nuttallis
Californian Lucine ______ BJ CA (AS:564) from Crescent City CA to central Baja California
Epilucina californica
Pacific Orb Diplodon ______ AK BJ CA SC WA (AS:562) from Alaska to the Gulf of California
Diplodonta orbella
Boreal Astarte ______ AK (AS:610) (ASC:341) (PS:26) in Alaska
Astarte borealis
Montagu's Astarte ______ AK from the Bering Sea to British Columbia
Astarte montagui
Clear Jewel Box ______ BJ CA WA (AS:656) from Oregon to central Baja California
Chama arcana

A similar species, Chama pellucida, is in Peru and Chile.
Pacific Left-handed Jewel Box ______ BJ CA (AS:665) from Oregon to southern Baja California
Pseudochama exogyra

Pseudochama exogyra is also known as the Reversed Chama.
Red Lasaea ______ BJ CA (AS:541) from northern California to northern Baja California
Lasaea adansoni

Lasaea adansoni was long known as Lasaea rubra, hence the common name, Red Lasaea.
Little Box Lasaea ______ BJ CA from Monterey CA to Baja California
Lasaea cistula
La Perouse's Kellia ______ AK BJ CA SC WA (AS:597) from the Bering Sea to the Gulf of California
Kellia laperousi
Kellia suborbicularis ______ BJ CA WA (AS:547) from British Columbia to Panama

A common name for Kellia suborbicularis is North Atlantic Kellin, but it does occur on both the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts of North America.
Carpenter's Cardita ______ BJ CA WA (AS:470) from British Columbia to northern Baja California
Glans subquadrata

Sometimes the Carpenter's Cardita is listed as Glans carpenteri or Glans minuscula.
Stout Cardita ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to Santa Barbara, CA
Cyclocardia ventricosa

COCKLES
Giant Pacific Cockle ______ BJ CA (AS:476) from Monterey Bay CA to southern Baja California
Trachycardium quadrigenarium

Another name for Trachycardium quadrigenarium is Spiny Cockle.
Hundred-lined Cockle ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:484) from Alaska to Baja California
Nemocardium centifilosum
Common Pacific Egg Cockle ______ BJ CA (AS:561) from Mugu Bay CA to southern Baja California
Laevicardium substratum

Laevicardium substratum is also called Little Egg Cockle.
Greenland Cockle ______ AK WA (PS:29) from Alaska to Washington State
Serripes groelandicus
Iceland Cockle (ph) ______ AK WA (AS:483) from Alaska to Puget Sound
Clinocardium ciliatum

The Iceland Cockle is a common northern species, both in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
The animals are hermaphrodites and the larvae are free-swimming.

Iceland Cockle
Nuttall's Cockle ______ AK CA pr WA (AS:482) (ASC:364) from the Bering Sea to San Diego CA
Clinocardium nuttallii (was Clinocardium corbis)

The Nuttall's Cockle is a large cockle. It is also known as the Basket Cockle or the Heart Cockle.
it is commercially fished and sold in markets and restaurants.
Fucan Cockle ______ AK CA WA from Sitka AK to Monterey CA
Clinocardium fucanum
Gulf Cockle ______ SC (SCMI:42) from Santa Cruz Island CA to Ecuador
Americardia biangulata
Northern Quahog (Clam) ______ CA (ASC:338) (PS:30)
Mercenaria mercenaria

The Northern Quahog is introduced in California from eastern North America.
Pacific White Venus ______ BJ CA (AS:571) from Santa Barbara CA to southern Baja California
Amiantis callosa

Amiiantis callosa is also known (in California) as the "Sea Cockle". It is said to be delicious. However, it is only moderately common.
Common California Venus ______ BJ CA (AS:500) from Santa Barbara CA to Panama
Chione californiensis
Kennerley's Venus ______ AK CA WA (AS:602) from Alaska to Monterey CA
Humilaria kennerleyi
Common Pacific Littleneck Clam ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:498) (ASC:368) from the Aleutian islands in Alaska south to southern Baja California
Protohaca staminea
Rough-sided Littleneck Clam ______ BJ CA from Monterey Bay CA to northern Baja California
Protohaca laciniata

Protohaca laciniata is sometimes said to be a subspecies or variety of the Common Pacific Littleneck Clam.
Protohaca laciniata is larger and thicker.
Japanese Littleneck Clam ______ CA pr WA (AS:502) from Puget Sound to northern California
Tapes philippinarum (or Tapes japonica)

Tapes philippinarum is also known as the Manilla Clam. It was accidentally introduced into Puget Sound with seed oysters imported from Japan.
Smooth Washington Clam ______ AK CA pr WA from Alaska to Monterey CA
Saxidomus giganteus

Saxidomus giganteus is also called the Butter Clam.
Common Washington Clam ______ BJ CA pr (AS:581) (C:335) from central California to northern Baja California
Saxidomus nuttalli

As is the previous species, Saxidomus nuttallii is also called the Butter Clam.
Pismo Clam ______ BJ CA (AS:596) (ASC:322) central California to southern Baja California
Tivela stultorum

Tivela stultorum is a large clam that was once dug for extensively. The population declined, and now no commercial digging for it is permitted. For individual clammers, there is now a size limit and catch limit.
False Angel Wing ______ CA WA (AS:516) (ASC:297) in Washington State and California
Petricola pholadiformis

The False Angel Wing is introduced on the Pacific Coast from eastern North America.
Hearty Rupellaria ______ BJ CA WA (AS:585) from Vancouver Island to southern Baja California
Rupellaria carditoides (or Petricola carditoides)

SURF CLAMS
Californian Mactra ______ BJ CA WA (AS:532) from the Puget Sound to Costa Rica
Mactra californica

Mactra californica is also called the California Surf Clam.
Stimpson's Surf Clam ______ AK WA (AS:607) (PS:32) from the Arctic to Puget Sound
Spisula polynyma
Hemphill's Surf Clam ______ BJ CA (AS:601) from Santa Barbara CA to northern Baja California
Spisula hemphilli

Spisula hemphilli is also known as Hemphill's Dish Clam.

TELLINS
Ida's Tellin ______ CA (AS:593) in California, from Santa Barbara to San Diego
Tellina idae
Carpenter's Tellin ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:543) (ASC:328) from southern Alaska to Panama
Tellina carpenteri
Modest Tellin ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:526) (C:327) from Alaska to central Baja California
Tellina modesta
Meropsis Tellin ______ BJ CA from San Diego CA to Ecuador
Tellina meropsis
Salmon Tellin ______ AK CA WA (AS:557) from the Aleutian islands in Alaska south to San Pedro CA
Tellina nuculoides (was Tellina salmonea)

The Salmon Tellin was given its name because its interior is frequently salmon-colored.
Its current scientific name is because the outline of its shell resembles that of many species in the genus Nucula.

MACOMAS
Chalky Macoma ______ AK CA WA (AS:609) from the Bering Sea to Washington State
Macoma calcarea
Inconspicuous Macoma ______ AK CA WA from the Bering Sea to Monterey CA
Macoma inconspicua
Pacific Coast Brota Macoma ______ AK WA from the Arctic Ocean to Puget Sound
Macoma brota
Balthic Macoma ______ AK (ASC:343) (PS:33) in Alaska
Macoma balthica
Bent-nosed Macoma ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:577) (ASC:320) from Kodiak Island AK to southern Baja California
Macoma nasuta
Stained Macoma ______ AK CA WA from the Aleutian islands in Alaska south to Santa Barbara CA
Macoma inquinata
White Sand Macoma ______ BJ CA pr WA (AS:594) (ASC:317) from Vancouver Island to central Baja California
Macoma secta
Yoldia-shaped Macoma ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:522) from southern Alaska to central Baja California
Macoma yoldiformis
Pacific Grooved Macoma ______ BJ CA (AS:582) Point Conception CA to southern Baja California
Leporimetis obesa (or Psammotreta obesa)

JACKKNIFE CLAMS, RAZOR CLAMS, GAPER CLAMS
Rosy Jackknife Clam ______ BJ CA (AS:615) from Santa Barbara CA to central Mexico
Solen rosaceus
California Jackknife Clam ______ BJ CA (AS:617) (ASC:307) from northern California to Panama
Tagelus californianus

Tagelus californianus is also known as the Californian Tagelus.
Transparent Razor Clam ______ BJ CA (AS:618) central California to northern Baja California
Siliqua lucida
Pacific Razor Clam ______ AK CA pr WA (AS:619) (ASC:303) from the eastern Aleutian islands to Pismo Beach CA
Siliqua patula

Siliqua patula is also known as the Northern Razor Clam, or simply Razor Clam.
Dall's Razor Clam ______ AK from south-central Alaska west in the Bering Sea and to Siberia
Siliqua alta
Pacific Gaper Clam ______ BJ CA pr WA (AS:588) (ASC:318) from Puget Sound to central Baja California
Tresus nuttallii

Tresus nuttallii is also called Horseneck Clam.
Alaskan Gaper Clam ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to Monterey CA
Tresus capas

Tresus capus is also called Horse Clam.

BEAN CLAMS
Gould's Wedge Shell ______ BJ CA (AS:509) from Monterey CA to southern Baja California
Donax gouldii

Donax gouldi is also called the Bean Clam.
California Donax (or Wedge Clam) ______ BJ CA from Santa Barbara CA to southern Baja California
Donax californicus

SAND CLAMS
Californian Sunset Clam ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:591) from the Aleutian islands in Alaska south to southern Baja California
Gari californica

Gari californica is known as the Sunset Shell.
Nuttall's Mahogany Clam ______ BJ CA pr (AS:600) from Bodega Bay CA to southern Baja California
Nuttallia nutallii (or Sanguinolaria nutallii)

Another name for Nuttallia nutallii is Purple Clam because of its purplish interior.

SEMELES
Bark Semele ______ BJ CA (AS:583) from Santa Barbara CA to southern Baja California
Semele decisa

Another name for Semele decisa is Clipped Semele.
California Cumingia ______ BJ CA (AS:576) from Mendocino County CA to southern Baja California
Cumingia californica

ROCK BORERS
Arctic Rock Borer ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:306) (PS:36)
Hiatella arctica

Other names for Hiatella arctica are Red Nose and Little Gaper. The species was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
Geoduck ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:587) (ASC:315) from southern Alaska to central Baja California
Panopea generosa
Globose Clam ______ SC (SCMI:42) in the northern half of the Sea of Cortez (or Gulf of California)
Panopea globosa

SOFT-SHELLED CLAMS
Truncate Soft-shelled Clam ______ AK WA (PS:38) from Arctic seas south to Washington State
Mya truncata

The Truncate Soft-shelled Clam was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Soft-shell Clam ______ CA WA (AS:590) on the Pacific Coast, from British Columbia to central California
Mya arenaria

The Soft-shell Clam was introduced from eastern North America into California. It has gradually spread north to British Columbia.
California Glass Mya ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:608) from southern Alaska to northern Peru
Cryptomya californica

Cryptomya californica is always associated with burrowing shrimps of the genera Callianassa and Upogebia.
Chubby Mya ______ CA WA (AS:586) from British Columbia to San Diego CA
Platyodon cancellatus

Other names for Platyodon cancellatus are Checkered Soft-shell Clam, or Checkered Borer.
Fragile Sphenia ______ BJ CA (AS:630) from Oregon to Peru
Sphenia fragilis

CORBULA CLAM
Common Western Corbula ______ BJ CA SC (AS:535) from Monterey Bay CA to the Gulf of California
Corbula luteola

Corbula luteola is also known as the Yellow Basket Clam.
Ovate Gastrochaena ______ a West Coast species
Gastrochaena ovata
Arctic Saxicave ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:589) on the Pacific coast, from the Arctic south to Panama
Hiatella arctica

PIDDOCKS
Pacific Mud Piddock ______ BJ CA from Oregon to Chile
Barnea subtruncata
Flat-tipped Piddock ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (AS:632) (ASC:310) from Alaska to central Baja California
Penitella penita

Penitella penita is the most common piddock along the California coast. The shape and length of the shell can vary considerably.
Great Piddock ______ CA (ASC:314) (PS:5,38)
Zirfaea crispata

The Great Piddock is introduced in California from eastern North America.
Rough Piddock ______ AK BJ CA WA from Alaska to southern Baja California
Zirfaea pilsbryi
Striate Piddock ______ BJ (AS:102) (PS:38) throughout the warmer American coast of the Pacific
Martesia striata

Martesia striata is also known as the Striate Martesia or Striate Wood Piddock. It was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Scale-sided Piddock ______ BJ CA (AS:631) from Bodega Bay CA to central Baja California
Parapholas californica

SHIPWORMS
Common Shipworm ______ AK BJ CA WA from the Arctic to the tropics
Toredo navalis

The Common Shipworm was described by Linnaeus in 1758.
Pacific Shipworm ______ AK CA WA (ASC:312) from Alaska to San Diego CA
Bankia setacea

Another name for Bankia setacea is Feathery Shipworm.

LYSONIAS
Sandy Lysonia ______ AK from Alaska to British Columbia
Lysonia arenosa
California Lysonia ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:625) from southern Alaska to central Baja California
Lysonia californica
Nuttall's Bladder Clam ______ AK BJ CA WA (AS:566) from southern Alaska to Baja California
Mytilimeria nuttalli

PANDORAS
Punctate Pandora ______ BJ CA SC WA (AS:520) from Vancouver Island to the Gulf of California
Pandora punctata
Glacial Pandora ______ AK CA WA (PS:32) Alaska to California
Pandora glacialis

THRACIAS
Common Pacific Thracia ______ AK CA WA (AS:580) from Alaska to Los Angeles CA
Thracia trapezoides
Short Western Thracia ______ AK BJ CA WA from Alaska to southern Baja California
Thracia curta

SPOON CLAMS
Common Western Spoon Clam ______ BJ CA (AS:565) from Point Conception CA to northern Peru
Periploma planiusculum

CHITONS (Class Polyplacophora)
Northern Red Chiton ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to California, also North American Atlantic coast
Tonicella rubra

The Northern Red Chiton was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
Lined Chiton ______ AK CA WA (ASC:371) from Alaska to southern California
Tonicella lineata
White Chiton ______ AK (ASC:380) circumpolar, in the North Pacific in the Aleutian islands, also North American Atlantic coast
Ischnochiton albus

The White Chiton was described by Linnaeus in 1767.
Gum Boot Chiton ______ AK CA WA (ASC:379) from Alaska to southern California
Cryptochiton stelleri

Cryptochiton stelleri (named after Georg Steller), the Gum Boot Chiton is the world's largest chiton, up to 13 inches long and 5 inches wide.
it is the only chiton in American waters whose girdle completely covers its valves.

Georg Steller was a naturalist who accompanied Bering from Russia to Alaska in the 1700s, after whom the Steller's Sea Eagle, Steller's Eider, and Steller's Sea Lion were named.
California Nuttall's Chiton ______ CA WA (ASC:372) from Puget Sound to southern California
Nuttallina californica
Hartweg's Chiton ______ BJ CA (ASC:377) from central California to Baja California
Cyanoplax hartwegii
Heath's Chiton ______ BJ CA from central California to Baja California
Stenoplax heathiana
Black Katy Chiton ______ AK CA WA (ASC:381) from Alaska to southern California
Katharina tunicata

The Black Katy is a tough little creature, about 4 inches long and just over an inch wide, living as it does on rocks exposed to crashing waves, and otherwise in full, hot sun when between high and low tides.
Mossy Chiton ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:376) from Alaska to Baja California
Mopalia muscosa
Veiled Chiton ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:373) from Alaska to Baja California
Placiphorella velata
Virgulate Chiton ______ BJ SC (SCMI:76) throughout the Gulf of California, from Cabo San Luca to Bahia Magdalena, Mexico
Chiton virgulatus

SQUIDS and OCTOPUSES (Class Cephalopoda)

SQUIDS

A very good, and most interesting book relating to squids is "The Search for the Giant Squid: the Biology and Mythology of the World's Most Elusive Sea Creature" by Richard Ellis, 1998.
Not only is the Giant Squid (various species in the genus Architeuthis) referred to in the book, other squids are as well, including species in the North Pacific Ocean.

Squids brought into a small coastal Ecuadorian fishing town, Puerto Lopez,
placed on the beach early in the morning after the boats have come back to shore.
They are Jumbo Squid, also known as Humboldt Squid, with the Spanish name
"Diablo Rojo" meaning "Red Devil".
This photograph was taken during the FONT Ecuador Tour in July 2013.
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Opalescent Squid ______ BJ CA pr WA (ASC:485) from British Columbia to Mexico
Loligo opalescens

Along the Pacific coast, Loligo opalascens is called Common Squid. It is also known as "Calamari", or Market Squid.
Jumbo Squid (ph) ______ AK BJ CA SC WA (SCMI:79) throughout the Gulf of California to Chile, and north from Baja California to northern California
Dosidicus gigas

Another name for Dosidicus gigas is Humboldt Squid. In Spanish it is called Diablo Rojo, or "Red Devil".

The total length of the Jumbo Squid is from 3 to as much as 13 feet.

Periodically large numbers of Dosicicus gigas migrate into the Gulf of California. Also there are periodic inshore migrations of this big, normally pelagic creature off the southern California coast, and on occasion it has been found as far north as British Columbia and even Alaska. During early 2005, thousands were stranded on beaches of southern California.

The Jumbo Squid is voracious predator, feeding on crustaceans, fish, and other squids, including others of its own kind.

Photo of Jumbo Squid, Dosidicus gigas, above.

OCTOPUSES (Family Octopodidae)

At least 9 species of OCTOPUS have been found in the Mexican waters of the Gulf of California. In most cases, a close, in-hand examination is required to determine the species.
Giant Pacific Octopus ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:483) from Alaska to southern California
Octopus dofleini

The Giant Pacific Octopus is one of the largest known octopods. The heaviest on record weighed 600 ponds.
Two-spotted Octopus ______ BJ CA SC (ASC:478,479) (SCMI:77) from southern California to Baja California, and in the Gulf of California and south to Panama
Octopus bimaculatus

In 1949, it was discovered that there are two closely related species of "two-spotted octopods" instead of one.
The second is the Mud Flat Octopus (below). It is most commonly found between high and low tide lines, on mud flats as well as among rocks.
There first clue that there were two species instead of one was the discovery of 2 different populations of kidney parasites.
Mud Flat Octopus ______ BJ CA
Octopus himaculoides
Veligero Octopus ______ BJ SC (SCMI:77) in the Gulf of California by the central Baja California coast, and along the ocean coast between Cabo San Lucas and San Juanico
Octopus veligero
Red Octopus ______ CA pr
Octopus rufescens
Zebra Octopus ______ SC (SCMI:77) from the central Gulf of California to Panama
Octopus chierchiae
Dignet's Octopus ______ SC (SCMI:78) throughout the Gulf of California to Mazatlan, Mexico
Octopus digueti
Fitch's Octopus ______ SC (SCMI:78) throughout the Gulf of California
Octopus fitchi
Long-arm Octopus ______ SC (SCMI:78) throughout the Gulf of California to Nayarit, Mexico
Octopus alecto
Octopus hubbsorum ______ BJ (SCMA:94) in Mexico, Cabo San Lucas and Islas Revillagigedo

Octopus hubbsorum is in shallow rocky and coral reefs.

PAPER ARGONAUT (Family Argonautidae)

ARGONAUTA species are pelagic octopuses.
Paper Nautilus ______ BJ SC (PAS:35) (PS:74) worldwide, pelagic in warm seas; throughout the Gulf of California to Panama
Argonauta cornuta

Argonauta cornuta is a deep-sea drifter. It is best known by its elegant paper-thin shells that are washed ashore.

Argonauta cornuta probably swims just below the surface. Although it is rarely seen at sea, it must be fairly common in Mexican Pacific offshore waters as large numbers of the empty shells occasionally come to shore after storms, particularly hurricanes and others with strong winds.
The geographic distribution, however, of Argonauta cornuta is limited to waters off western Mexico, making it one of the rarer Argonauta species.
It is said that further research is needed to determine if Argonauta cornuta is actually a synonym of the common, widespread Argonauta hians (below).
Brown Paper Argonaut ______ (PS:74) worldwide, pelagic in warm seas
Argonauta hians
Greater Argonaut ______ (PAS:35) (PS:74) worldwide, pelagic in warm seas
Argonauta argo

Argonauta argo was described by Linnaeus in 1758.

ANTHROPODS (Phyllum Arthropoda)

SEA SPIDERS (Class Pycnogonida)
Stearn's Sea Spider ______ CA pr WA (ASC:579) from British Columbia, Canada to central California
Pycnogonum stearnsi
California Ringed Sea Spider ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to southern California
Tanystylum californicum
Spiny Sea Spider ______ BJ CA from central California to Baja California
Anoplodactylus oculopinatus
Clawed Sea Spider ______ AK CA WA (ASC:575) from Alaska to central California, also North American Atlantic coast
Phoxichilidium femoratum

CRUSTACEANS (Class Crustacea)

COPEPODS
Splash Pool Copepod ______ AK BJ CA pr WA from Alaska to central Baja California
Tigriopus californicus

Another name for Tigriopus californicus is Red Copepod. It is in the family HARPACTICIDAE.
Clausidium vancouverense ______ CA pr

As is the previous species, Clausidium vancouverense is called Red Copepod.
Parasitic Copepod ______ CA pr
Mytilicola orientalis

BARNACLES (and ISOPODS and some other similar creatures)
Common Goose Barnacle ______ BJ CA WA (ASC:288) washed ashore along both North American, Atlantic and Pacific coasts
Lepas anatifera
Float Goose Barnacle ______ BJ CA WA washed ashore along both North American, Atlantic and Pacific coasts
Lepus fascicularis
Leaf Barnacle ______ BJ CA pr (ASC:277,287) from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California
Pollicipes polymerus
Thatched Barnacle ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:281) from Alaska to southern California
Semibalanus cariosus (formerly Balanus cariosus)
Little Striped Barnacle ______ BJ CA (ASC:279) from central California to Panama, also North American Atlantic coast and West Indies
Balanus amphitrite
Bay Barnacle ______ BJ CA (ASC:274) from Oregon to Ecuador, along Atlantic coast of North and South America
Balanus improvisus
Acorn Barnacle ______ CA pr
Balanus glandula
Giant Acorn Barnacle ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:280,283) from Alaska to southern California
Balanus nubilis

Another name for Balanus nubili is Great Barnacle.
Subtidal Acorn Barnacle ______ CA pr
Balanus crenatus
Red-striped Acorn Barnacle ______ BJ CA (ASC:284) from northern California to Mexico
Megabalanus californicus
Volcano Barnacle ______ BJ CA (ASC:282) from central California to Baja California
Tetraclita rubescens
Lesson's False Squilla ______ BJ CA from southern California to the Galapagos Islands
Pseudosquilla marmorata
Harford's Greedy Isopod ______ BJ CA WA (ASC:594) from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California
Cirolana harfordi
Kirchansky's Isopod ______ CA (ASC:584) in central California
Idotea kirchanskii
Monterey Isopod ______ CA in central California
Idotea montereyensis
Vosnesensky's Isopod ______ AK CA WA (ASC:583) from Alaska to southern California
Idotea wosnesenskii
Idotea resecata ______ CR pr
Western Sea Roach ______ BJ CR pr (ASC:581,582) from central California to Central America
Ligia occidentalis
Mottled Tube-maker ______ CA WA (ASC:590) from British Columbia to southern California, also North American Atlantic coast
Jassa falcata
California Beach Hopper ______ CA pr
Megalorchestia californiana (was Prchestoidea californiana)
California Beach Flea ______ CA WA (ASC:586) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Orchestoidea californica

At night, California Beach Fleas can be seen in hordes on the sand above breaking waves, leaping about and eating washed-up seaweed.

SHRIMPS
Smooth Skeleton Shrimp ______ CA WA (ASC:600) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Caprella laeviuscula
Caprella sp. ______ CA pr
skeleton shrimp ______ CA pr
Metacaprella kennerlyi
Eye-shaded Shrimp ______ CA pr
Betaeus sp.
Broken-back Shrimp ______ CA pr
Spirontocarius prionota
Red Rock Shrimp ______ BJ CA (ASC:608) from southern California to Baja California
Lysmata californica
Coon-stripe Shrimp ______ AK CA WA (ASC:610) from Alaska to central California
Pandalus danae
Franciscan Bay Shrimp ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to southern California
Crangon franciscorum
bay shrimp ______ CA pr
Crangon sp.
California Rock Lobster ______ BJ CA (ASC:623) from central California to Baja California
Panulirus interruptus
Blue Mud Shrimp ______ AK BJ CA pr WA from southern Alaska to Baja California
Upogebia pugettensis

Another name for Upogebia pugettensis is Blue Ghost Shrimp.
Beach Ghost Shrimp ______ BJ CA (ASC:619) from southern California to Baja California
Callianassa affinis
Bay Ghost Shrimp ______ AK BJ CA pr (ASC:620) from central California to Baja California
Callianassa californiensis
Pontonia pinnae ______ SC

A pair of the shrimps, Pontonia pinnae, a male and female, are nearly always found dwelling inside the live shell of the Panamic Pearl Oyster.
Pairs of Pontonia shrimps are also found in the Panamic Pen Shell.

CRABS

CRABS are found on every continent. An array of varieties of both small and large crabs make them a favorite seafood many places throughout the world.
Little mud crabs are perfect for soups and stocks.
Dungeness Crabs (in western North America, along the coast of the Pacific Northwest) provide wonderfully sweet meat.
Shore crabs in their molted state are a delicacy, and are known as "soft-shell crabs".
And the magnificent King Crab (of Alaska) is favored for its leg meat.

Many crabs are harvested sustainably as they are caught live.

Generally, crab contains two types of meat:
White meat is extracted from the legs, claws, and central body.
Brown meat is located in the carapace or shell that contains the main organs.
White meat is generally the more popular because it is sweet and delicate. Brown meat, or the meat from the body of the crab, has a stronger and more pronounced flavor and varies in consistency.

Crab is sold live, cooked and unprepared, and cooked and dressed (which means that the inedible parts have been removed).
Fresh, pasteurized and canned crab meat is also available, usually separated into white and brown.
Cooked crab should always be purchased from a reliable source. It should have a lovely sweet seafood aroma.

To remove the meat from a cooked crab, place it on its back and break off the claws and legs, then break off the tail flap. Insert a heavy-bladed knife between the body shell, twist and then pry apart with your thumbs. Remove and discard the "dead man's fingers" (the gills).
Using a spoon, scoop the brown meat out into a bowl. Halve the body with a sharp knife and carefully pick out the meat. Finally, press on the back shell just behind the eyes, then remove and discard the mouth and stomach sac. Scoop out the remaining brown meat.

Some notes, now, regarding the taxonomy of "crabs". The genera that follow are in a number of families:

In the families:

PORCELLANIDAE. the genera Petrolisthes, Pachycheles, Porcellana and Euceramus, the "'Porcelain Crabs"
DIOGENIDAE, the genera Aniculus, Petrochirus, Clibanarius, Dardanus, and Paguristes, the "Hermit Crabs"
PAGURIDAE, the genera Pagurus, and Manucomplanus, also "Hermit Crab"
HAPALOGASTRIDAE, the genus Hapalogaster, the Fuzzy Crab, Hairy Crab
XANTHIDAE, the genera Paraxanthias, Platypodiella, Carpilodes, and Cycloxanthops, including the "Pebble Crabs"
PANOPEIDAE, the genus Panopeus, also "Pebble Crab"
LITHODIDAE, the genera Cryptolithodes, Lithodes, and Paralithodes, the "King Crabs"
HIPPIDAE, the genera Emerita, and Hippa, the "Mole Crabs", or "Sand Crabs"
BLEPHARIPODAE, the genus Blepharipoda, also called "Mole Crabs", or "Sand Crabs"
DROMIIDAE, the genera Dromidia, and Hypoconcha, the "Sponge Crabs" and "Shell Crabs"
LEUCOSIIDAE, the genus Persephona
CALAPPIDAE, the genus Calappa, "Box Crabs"
AETHRIDAE, the genera Aethra, and Hepatus
PORTUNIDAE, the genera Ovalipes, Portunus, Callinectes, Carcinus, the "Swimming Crabs"
CANCRIDAE, the genus Cancer, the Cancer Crabs
ERIPHIIDAE, the genus Eriphia
PANOPEIDAE, the genera Eurypanopeus and Neopanope, the "Mud Crabs"
MENIPPIDAE, the genus Menippe
GRAPSIDAE, the genera Grapsus, Pachygraspsus, Plagusia, and Percnon, the "Rock Crabs", "Spray Crab", "Shore Crabs"
VARUNIDAE, the genus Hemigrapsus, also "Shore Crabs"
GECARCINIDAE, the genus Gecarcinus, the "Halloween Crab"
SESARMIDAE, the genus Sesarma
OCYPODIDAE, the genera Ocypode and Uca, "Sand Crabs" and "Fiddler Crabs"
OREGONIIDAE, the genus Hyas
EPIALTIDAE, the genera Epialtoides, Libinia, Loxorhynchus, Scyra, Mimulus, Pugettia, and Herbstia, including "Kelp Crabs", and "Spider Crabs"
MAJIDAE, the genus Mithrx
MITHRACIDAE, the genus Ala, the "Decorator Crabs"
TRAPEZIIDAE, the genus Quadrella, the "Sea Fan Crab"
INACHIDAE, the genera Stenocianops, and Stenorhynchus, the "Arrow Crab"
PARTHENOPIDAE, the genus Parthenope
MUNIDIDAE, the genus Pleuroncodes, "Pelagic Red Crab", in the grouping of "Squat Lobsters"
MUNIDIDAE, along with PORCELLANIDAE (at the beginning of this listing) are in the superfamily GALATHEOIDEA
PINNOTHERIDAE, the genera Fabia, Pinnixa, Scleroplax, and others, including the "Pea Crabs"

At the end of a day, a catch of crabs, in a small Ecuadorian coastal town near the Peruvian border
(photographed by Marie Gardner during a FONT tour in Ecuador in April 2014)

PORCELAIN CRABS
Flat Porcelain Crab ______ CA pr WA (ASC:641) from British Columbia to southern California
Petrolisthes cinctipes
Striped Porcelain Crab ______ SC (SCMI:95) from the central Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Petrolisthes marginatus
Pubescent Porcelain Crab ______ CA pr
Pachycheles pubescens
Thick-clawed Porcelain Crab ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:672) from Alaska to Baja California
Pachycheles rudis
Scallop Porcelain Crab ______ SC (SCMI:95) in the central and southern Gulf of California
Porcellana sp. (undetermined)

The Scallop Porcelain Crab has been found clinging to the valve on the surface of the scallop Argopecten ventricosus.
This small half-inch crab is seemingly rare.
Commensal Porcelain Crab ______ SC (SCMI:94) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Panama
Euceramus transversilineatus

HERMIT CRABS
Elegant Hermit Crab ______ SC (SCMI:96) from the central Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Aniculus elegans

The Elegant Hermit Crab occupies the shells of large gastropods such as Murex, Strombus, and Pleuroploca.
Blue-spotted Hermit Crab ______ SC (SCMI:96) throughout the Gulf of California, where it is quite common
Clibanarius digueti
Anemone-carrier Hermit Crab ______ SC (SCMI:96) from the central Gulf of California, south to Peru
Dardanus sinistripes

Dardanus sinistripes is a relatively common hermit crab. Color variants may represent another species.

In Dardanus sinistripes, the left claw is considerably larger than the right.
Red-legged Hermit Crab ______ BJ SC (SCMI:97) throughout the Gulf of California, and in Baja California from Bahia Magdalena to Clipperton Island
Calcinus californiensis
Blue-eyed Hermit Crab ______ SC (SCMI:97) throughout the Gulf of California
Paguristes sanguinimanus

Large clusters of the Blue-eyed Hermit Crab are occasionally found on intertidal and subtidal sand flats and patch reefs.
Giant Hermit Crab ______ SC (SCMI:97) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Petrochirus californiensis

The Giant Hermit Crab is a common species that inhabits various empty gastropod shells, particularly Murex, Pleuroploca, and Strombus.

Below is a set of 3 pictures of hermit crabs photographed during a FONT tour on an island in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Isla de la Plata off the coast of Ecuador.
(these photos by Marie Gardner during a FONT tour in July 2013)

One or two of the crabs in these photos seem to be the Giant Hermit Crab, Petrochirus californienssis.
If you have any ideas as to the identifications, please let us know.
Grainy Hermit Crab ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:683) from Alaska to Baja California
Pagurus granosimanus
Blue-handed Hermit Crabs ______ AK BJ CA pr WA from Alaska to Baja California
Pagurus samuelis
Little Hairy Hermit Crab ______ AK BJ CA pr WA from Alaska to Baja California
Pagurus hirsutiusculus
Staghorn Hermit Crab ______ SC (SCMI:98) from the central Gulf of California, south to Panama
Manucomplanus varians

FUZZY CRAB, HAIRY CRAB
Fuzzy Crab ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:679) from Alaska to Baja California
Hapalogaster mertensii
Hairy Crab ______ CA pr
Hapalogaster cavicauda

Another name for Hapalogaster cavicauda is Stone Crab.

PEBBLE CRABS and others in the in families Xanthidae and Panopeidae
Pebble Crab ______ CA pr
Paraxanthias taylori
Orange Pebble Crab ______ SC (SCMI:101) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Platypodiella rotundata (formerly Platypodia rotundata)

The Orange Pebble Crab is found living commensally among colonial anemones.
Pacific Pebble Crab ______ SC (SCMI:101) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Peru
Panopeus purpureus
Red-banded Crab ______ SC (SCMI:101) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Ecuador; also tropical western Pacific
Carpilodes cinctimanus
Chameleon Crab ______ SC (SCMI:102) from the central Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Cycloxanthops vittatus

KING CRABS
Turtle Crab ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:667) from Alaska to southern California
Cryptolithodes sitchensis

Another name for Cryptolithodes sitchensis is Umbrella Crab.
Butterfly Crab (ph) ______ AK CA WA (ASC:668,674) from Alaska to southern California
Cryptolithodes typicus

Above & below: Butterfly Crabs,
showing the variation that there can be in color
Golden King Crab ______ AK
Lithodes aequispinus

The Golden King Crab occurs in waters by the Aleutian Chain off the southern coast of Alaska.
It is significantly smaller than the Red King Crab and the Blue King Crab (both below).
The Golden King Crab averages 5 to 8 pounds.
It tastes similar to the Red and Blue King Crabs, but generally somewhat sweeter.

Significant populations of the Golden King Crab occur in pockets in waters off the Pribilof and Shumagin Islands, Shelikof Strait, Prince William Sound, and at least as far south as the lower Chatham Strait.
The Golden King Crab occurs in deeper water than the Red King Crab, often in depths exceeding 1,800 feet.
Juvenile Golden King Crabs are cryptic, relying on invertebrates, such as corals and sponges, growing on the sea floor, for their survival.
Red King Crab ______ AK
Paralithodes camtschaticus

This, and the following species, are among the most important fisheries in Alaska. But populations have fluctuated during the past 25 years, and some areas are currently closed due to overfishing.

The Red King Crab is very large, sometimes with a carapace width of 11 inches and a leg span of 6 feet.

The two species, the Red King Crab and the Blue King Crab (below), are similar in size, shape, and life history. Habitat is the main factor in separating the ranges of the two species, both in the Bering Sea.

The Red King Crab prefers shallow, muddy or sandy habitats in Bristol Bay and Norton Sound. Its range is from the Aleutian Islands north to Saint Lawrence Island.
Blue King Crab ______ AK
Paralithodes platypus

The Blue King Crab prefers deeper areas with cobble, gravel, and rock, that occur around the Pribilof Islands.

SAND CRABS, MOLE CRABS
Pacific Sand Crab ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:689) from Alaska to Chile
Emerita analoga

Emerita analoga is also called the Pacific Mole Crab, as the following species, Hippa pacifica, is named.
Pacific Mole Crab ______ SC (SCMI:98) from the central Gulf of California south to Ecuador; throughout the Indo-Pacific
Hippa pacifica

Hippa pacifica is common in sand along the water's edge of wave-washed beaches. It feeds upon carrion and Portuguese Man-of-war.
Spiny Mole Crab ______ BJ CA pr (ASC:688) from central California to Baja California
Blepharipoda occidentalis

Blepharipoda occidentalis is also called Spiny Land Crab.

SPONGE CRAB, SHELL CRAB
Sponge Crab ______ SC (SCMI:105) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Peru
Dromidia larraburei

The Sponge Crab usually carries a sponge on its back, but occasionally it is found with a sea anemone or tunicate.
Lowe's Shell Crab ______ SC (SCMI:105) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Hypoconcha lowei

The Lowe's Shell Crab normally carries an empty clam valve on its back with its modified last pair of legs.

BOX CRAB, or SHAME-FACED CRAB
Shame-faced Crab ______ SC (SCMI:105) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Calappa convexa

AETHRIDAE CRABS
Walking Rock Crab ______ SC (SCMI:100) from the central Gulf of California to Ecuador, across the tropical Pacific
Aethra scruposa
Panamic Calico Crab ______ SC (SCMI:104) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Panama
Hepatus lineatus
Striped Box Crab ______ SC (SCMI:104) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Hepatus kossmani

SWIMMING CRABS
Blue Swimming Crab ______ BJ CA SC (SCMI:99) from Baja California to Peru; throughout the Gulf of California
Callinectes arcuatus

Another name for Callinectes arcuatus is Pacific Blue Crab.

Occasionally populations of Callinectes arcuatus have become established in southern California, thought to have come as single cohorts transported as larvae. These populations have typically died out after a few years.
Iridescent Swimming Crab ______ SC (SCMI:100) from the central Gulf of California to Colombia
Portunus iridescens

CANCER CRABS (the family Cancridae)
Pacific Rock Crab ______ BJ CA pr (ASC:644) from Oregon to Baja California
Cancer antennarius
Dungeness Crab ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:655) from Alaska to southern California
Metacarcinus magister (formerly Cancer magister)

The Dungeness Crab is a rather large crab, up to over 9 inches wide and over 6 inches long.
It is the chief crab caught commercially along the North American Pacific coast.
While it is mainly in water more than 100 feet deep, it comes into shallow water to molt. The molted skeletons washed up on the beach can make people think that crabs are dying of some disease.
Oregon Cancer Crab ______ AK CA WA (ASC:652) from Alaska to southern California
Cancer oregonensis
Red Crab ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:651) from Alaska to southern California
Cancer productus

ERIPHIIIDAE CRABS
Red-eyed Pebble Crab ______ SC (ASC:100) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Eriphia squamata
Black-clawed Mud Crab ______ AK CA WA (ASC:646) from Alaska to southern California
Lophopanopeus bellus
Commensal Crabs ______ BJ CA WA (ASC:634) from British Columbia, Canada to Peru
Pinnotheres spp.

ROCK CRABS, SPRAY CRAB, SHORE CRABS
Red Rock Crab (ph) ______ BJ SC (ASC:649) (SCMI:98) along the Pacific coast, in Baja California and by the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, south to Chile
Grapsus grapsus

Other names for Grapsus grapsus are Sally Lightfoot Crab and Lava Crab.

The adult Graspus graspus is quite variable in color. Some can be muted brownish-red, while others can be mottled or spotted brown, pink, or yellow.
Young Graspus graspus are black or dark brown. They are camouflaged well on the black lavas coasts of volcanic islands.

Red Rock Crab, or "Sally Lightfoot"
Spray Crab ______ BJ CA SC (SCMI:99) from California to Chile, and throughout the Gulf of California; also Florida to Brazil
Percnon gibbesi

Like the previous species, Percnon gibbesi is commonly called "Sally Lightfoot".
Striped Shore Crab ______ BJ CA pr (ASC:662) from Oregon to Baja California
Pachygrapsus crassipes

Another name for Pachygraspsus crassipes is Lined Shore Crab.

The following genus of "shore crabs" is in the family VARUNIDAE, rather than GRAPSIDAE.
Purple Shore Crab ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:639,663) from Alaska to Baja California
Hemigrapsus nudus
Yellow Shore Crab ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:643) from Alaska to Baja California
Hemigrapsus oregonensis

HARLEQUIN LAND CRAB: in the family GECARCINIDAE
Gecarcinus quadratus ______   from Mexico to Panama

Geracinus quadratus has many common names, including: Halloween Crab, Jack-o-lantern Crab, Mouthless Crab, Moon Crab, Whitespot Crab, Halloween Moon Crab, and Red Land Crab.

As many of these names imply, Gerarcinus quadratus is colorful. During FONT tours, It has been seen in large number along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

FIDDLER CRABS
California Fiddler ______ BJ CA (ASC:630) from southern California to Baja California
Uca crenulata
Princely Fiddler Crab ______ SC (SCMI:99) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Peru
Uca princeps

MASKING CRAB, SHARP-NOSED CRAB, KELP CRABS, SPIDER CRABS: and others in the family EPIALTIDAE
Masking Crab ______ BJ CA pr (ASC:675) in California, from Point Reyes to San Diego; also Baja California
Loxorhynchus crispatus

The Masking Crab lives in the lowest intertidal zone, along a rocky coast and in kelp beds.
It is a "master of disguise", decorating its shell with algae and animals such as hydroids, anemones, and sponges.
This concealment has a double purpose: protecting it from predators, while allowing it to approach its prey undetected.
Sharp-nosed Crab ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:678) from Alaska to Baja California
Scyra acutifrons
Encrusting Crab ______ CA pr
Mimulus foliatus
Shield-backed Kelp Crab ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:659) from Alaska to Baja California
Pugettia producta

Another name for Pugettia producta is Northern Kelp Crab.
kelp crabs ______ CA pr
Pugettia sp.
Cryptic Spider Crab ______ SC (SCMI:103) in Mexico, throughout the Gulf of California to Mazatlan
Epialtoides paradigmus

Epialtoides paradigmus was described in 1958.
Flat Spider Crab ______ SC (SCMI:103) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Panama
Herbstia camptacantha

DECORATOR CRAB: in the family MITHRACIDAE
Gulf Decorator Crab ______ SC (SCMI:103) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Peru
Ala cornuta

SEA FAN CRAB: in the family TRAPEZIIDAE
Sea Fan Crab ______ SC (SCMI:102) from the central Gulf of California, south to Ecuador
Quadrella nitida

ARROW CRABS
Inflated Spider Crab ______ BJ SC (SCMI:104) throughout the Gulf of California and parts of western Baja California
Stenocionops angusta
Panamic Arrow Crab ______ BJ SC (SCMI:102) throughout the Gulf of California, south to Chile
Stenorhynchus debilis

The Panamic Arrow Crab has been reported in San Diego CA during El Nino conditions.

SQUAT LOBSTERS: in the family MUNIDIDAE
Pelagic Red Crab ______ BJ CA pr SC (SCMI:95) from north of San Francisco CA to central Mexico; throughout the Gulf of California
Pleuroncodes planipes

PEA CRABS and allies: in the family PINNOTHERIDAE
Mussel Crab ______ CA pr
Fabia subquadrata
Burrow Pea Crab ______ CA pr
Scleroplax granulata

Scleoplax granulata lives as a commensal of various burrowing animals, including the mud shrimp, Neotrypaea californiensis.
pea crabs ______ CA pr
Pinnixa sp.

ECHINODERMS

ASTEROIDS (Class Stelleroidea): including the sea stars and brittle stars

"Sea Star" is preferred to "Star Fish" as that term is a misnomer, as "fish" are finny vertebrates.
Armored Sea Star ______ BJ CA SC (ASC:561) (SCMI:106) from southern California to Peru, throughout the Gulf of California
Astropecten armatus

The Armored Sea Star feeds on the Purple Dwarf Olive and other snails, sand dollars, and sea pansies.
Spiny Sea Star ______ BJ CA (ASC:563) from southern California to Baja California
Astropecten sertulifera

The Spiny Sea Star is active and mobile. If turned over, it can right itself quickly.
Amphiaster insignis ______ SC (SCMI:106) throughout the Gulf of California to Panama

Like the previous species, Amphiaster insignis is called the Spiny Sea Star.
Mud Star ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:535) from the Bering Sea to Chile, also North American Atlantic coast
Ctenodiscus crispatus

Not only does the Mud Star live in mud, it eats it.
Panamic Cushion Star ______ SC (SCMI:107) throughout the Gulf of California to northern Peru, also Galapagos Islands
Pentaceraster cumingi
Leather Star ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:536) from Alaska to southern California
Dermasterias imbricata

The Leather Star feeds on anemones, sea cucumbers, the Purple Sea Urchin, and other invertebrates.
Bat Star ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:537) from Alaska to Baja California
Patiria miniata

The Bat Star is the most abundant sea star along the Pacific coast of North America. It is especially numerous in certain kelp forests.
Equal Sea Star ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:550) from Alaska to Baja California
Mediaster aequalis
Red Sea Star ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:551) from Alaska to Baja California
Henricia leviuscula

Another name for Henricia leviuscula is Pacific Henricia.
Dawson's Sun Star ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:546) from Alaska to central California
Solaster dawsoni
Stimpson's Sea Star ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to California
Solaster stimpsoni
Smooth Sun Star ______ AK WA (ASC:542,543) from Alaska to Puget Sound
Solaster endeca
Spiny Sun Star ______ AK WA (ASC:545) from Alaska to Puget Sound
Crossaster papposus

The Spiny Sun Star is among the most beautiful of echinoderms. It is a burst of color.
Gulf Sun Star ______ BJ SC (SCMI:110) throughout the Gulf of California and from Baja California to Nicaragua
Heliaster kubiniji

In addition to the range above, there have been scattered occasional records of Heliaster kubiniji in northwest Baja California, and southern California USA - probably El Nino related.
Pacific Comet Star ______ BJ CA (ASC:553) from southern California to Colombia
Linckia columbiae
Troschel's Sea Star ______ AK CA WA (ASC:554) from Alaska to central California
Evasterias troschelii
Broad Six-rayed Sea Star ______ CA pr WA (ASC:555) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Leptasterias hexactis

The small six-rayed sea stars of the Pacific coast of North America are quite variable and have presented problems as to their identification,
One that can be told is the following:
Little Six-rayed Star ______ CA pr in central California, a limited range
Leptasterias pusilla

Another name for Leptasterias pusilla is Small Slender Sea Star.
Ochre Sea Star ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:548) from Alaska to Baja California
Piaster ochraceous

Another name for Piaster ochraceous is Purple Sea Star.
Short-rayed Sea Star ______ CA pr
Piaster brevispinus
Giant Sea Star ______ BJ CA pr WA (ASC:556) from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico
Piaster giganteus

Piaster giganteus has been called the Common Sea Star.
Sunflower Star ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:544) from Alaska to southern California
Pycnopodia helianthoides

Another name for Pycnopodia helianthoides is Twenty-rayed Star.
Channeled Sea Star ______ BJ SC (SCMI:106) from Baja California to Panama, in the central and southern Gulf of California
Tethyaster canaliculatus
Chocolate Chip Sea Star ______ SC (SCMI:107) throughout the Gulf of California to northern Peru, also Galapagos Islands
Nidoreilia armata
Keeled Sea Star ______ SC (SCMI:197) from the central Gulf of California to Panama, also Galapagos Islands
Asteropsis carinifera
Smooth Sea Star ______ SC (SCMI:108) from the central Gulf of California to the Galapagos Islands
Leiaster teres
Pyramid Sea Star ______ BJ SC (SCMI:108) throughout the Gulf of California to northern Peru, also Galapagos Islands and some islands off Baja California
Pharia pyramidata
Tan Sea Star ______ SC (SCMI:108) throughout the Gulf of California to northern Peru, also Galapagos Islands
Phataria unifascialis
Tamarisk Sea Star ______ SC (SCMI:109) from islands in the central Gulf of California to Colombia
Tamaria stria
Bradley's Sea Star ______ BJ SC (SCMI:109) from Baja California to Peru, and in the central and southern Gulf of California
Mithrodia bradleyi

Mithrodia bradleyi may prove to be identical with Mithrodia clavigera in the Indo-Pacific region.
Panamic Crown-of-thorns ______ SC (SCMI:109) from the central Gulf of California to the far-offshore Isla Clarion, Mexico
Acanthraster ellisii
Thin-spined Sea Star ______ BJ SC (SCMI:110) throughout the Gulf of California, and from Scammon's Lagoon on Baja California south
Echinaster tenuispina
Fragile Rainbow Star ______ BJ CA SC WA (SCMI:110) from Vancouver Island, Canada to northern Peru, and throughout the Gulf of California, also Galapagos Islands
Astrometis sertulifera

Since 1978, Astrometis sertulifera has become rare in the Gulf of California due to a widespread infection.
Rathbun's Sea Star ______ BJ CA (SCMI:111) from northern California to southern Baja California
Coronaster marchennus

BRITTLE STARS

BRITTLE STARS are also known as SERPENT STARS. Worldwide, there are over 1,800 species of BRITTLE STARS.
The BASKET STARS are also in this group.
Panamic Brittle Star ______ BJ CA SC (ASC:566) (SCMI:113) from southern California to Peru, and throughout the Gulf of California; also the Galapagos Islands
Ophioderma panamense
Multi-colored Brittle Star ______ BJ CA (SCMI:113) from San Diego CA to Panama, also Galapagos Islands
Ophioderma variegatum
Daisy Brittle Star ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:570) from the Bering Sea to southern California, also North American Atlantic coast
Ophiopholis aculeata
Little Brittle Star ______ CA pr
Amphipholis pugetana
Burrowing Brittle Star ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:557) from Alaska to southern California
Amphiodia occidentalis

Another name for Amphiodia occidentalis has been Western Brittle Star.
Dwarf Brittle Star ______ AK CA WA (ASC:568) from Alaska to southern California, also North American Atlantic coast
Asiognathus squamatus

The Dwarf Brittle Star is bioluminescent, capable of emitting light.
Puget Dwarf Brittle Star ______ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Asiognathus pugetanus
Esmark's Brittle Star ______ CA (ASC:571) from northern to southern California
Ophioplocus esmarki
Western Spiny Brittle Star ______ BJ CA pr (ASC:562) from central California to Peru
Ophiothrix spiculata
Black Spiny Brittle Star ______ BJ SC (SCMI:112) throughout the Gulf of California, and from Baja California to northern Peru
Ophiocoma aethiops
Alexander's Spiny Brittle Star ______ SC (SCMI:112) throughout the Gulf of California, also Galapagos islands
Ophiocoma alexandri
Ringed Brittle Star ______ BJ CA (SCMI:112) from southern California (Point Conception) to Ecuador, also Galapagos Islands
Ophionereis annulata
Spiny Basket Star ______ BJ SC (SCMI:111) from Baja California to Panama, and throughout the Gulf of California
Astrocaneum sponosum
Panamic Basket Star ______ BJ SC (SCMI:111) from Baja California to Panama, and in the southern Gulf of California
Astrodictyum panamense (or Astrocaneum panamense)

SEA URCHINS and SAND DOLLARS (Class Echinoidea)
Green Sea Urchin ______ AK WA (ASC:523) from Alaska to the Puget Sound, also North American Atlantic coast
Strongylocentrotus drochachiensis
Purple Sea Urchin ______ BJ CA pr WA (ASC:522) from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Red Sea Urchin ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:520) from Alaska to Baja California
Strongylocentrotus franciscanus
Slate Pencil Urchin ______ BJ CA SC (SCMI:113) throughout the Gulf of California, and from southern California to Ecuador; also Galapagos Islands
Eucidaris thouarsii
Crowned Sea Urchin ______ BJ CA SC (SCMI:114) from southern California to northern Peru. and throughout the Gulf of California; also Galapagos Islands
Centrostephanus coronatus
Embroidered Sea Urchin ______ BJ CA SC (SCMI:114) from Monterey CA to Ecuador, and throughout the Gulf of California
Lytechinus pietus
Flower Sea Urchin ______ BJ (SCMI:114) western Baja California, at Bahia Tortugas
Toxopneustes roseus
Echinometra vanbrunii ______ BJ SC (SCMI:115) throughout the Gulf of California, and from Baja California to Peru; also Galapagos Islands

Like Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (above), Echinometra vanbrunii is called Purple Sea Urchin. It is the most common sea urchin in the Gulf of California and throughout the Panamic region.
Galloping Urchin ______ BJ (SCMI:115) reported off Baja California, known throughout the Indo-West Pacific region
Asthenosoma varium
Heart Urchin ______ BJ CA SC (ASC:527) (SCMI:117) from southern California to Peru, and throughout the Gulf of California; also Galapagos Islands and Hawaii
Lovenia cordiformis

Another name for Lovenia cordiformis is Sea Porcupine.
Grooved Heart Urchin ______ BJ (SCMI:116) from Baja California to northern Peru, also Galapagos Islands
Agassizia scrobiculata

The color of the Grooved Heart Urchin varies from a pale brown to white.
Common Sand Dollar (ph) ______ AK WA (ASC:530) from Alaska to the Puget Sound, also North American Atlantic coast
Echinarachnius parma

Common Sand Dollar
Eccentric Sand Dollar ______ AK BJ CA pr WA (ASC:531) from Alaska to Baja California
Dendraster excentricus

Dendraster excentricus is also known as the Western Sand Dollar or the Pacific Sand Dollar.
Large-holed Sand Dollar ______ BJ SC (SCMI:115) throughout the Gulf of California and in Baja California
Encope grandis
Giant Sand Dollar ______ SC (SCMI:116) throughout the Gulf of California south to Ecuador, also Galapagos Islands
Clypeaster europacificus

The Giant Sand Dollar has a diameter of from 3 to 8 inches. Its color generally deepens with age and can be tan, brown, red-violet, or a brilliant green.
Long-slit Keyhole Sand Dollar ______ BJ SC (SCMI:116) throughout the Gulf of California, and from Baja California (Isla Cedros) to Ecuador
Mellita longifissa

SEA CUCUMBERS (Class Holothuroidea)
Red Sea Cucumber ______ AK CA pr WA (ASC:157) from Alaska to central California
Cucumaria miniata
Peppered Sea Cucumber ______ BJ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico
Cucumaria piperata
White Sea Cucumber ______ CA pr WA (ASC:151) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Eupentacta quinquesemita

Another name for Eupentacta quinquesemita is Stiff-footed Sea Cucumber.
Large Sea Cucumber ______ BJ CA pr WA (ASC:207) from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico
Parastichopus californicus

Another name for Parastichopus californicus is California Stichopus.
Parvima Sea Cucumber ______ BJ CA from Monterey Bay CA to Baja California
Parastichopus parvimensis

Another name for Parastichopus parvimensis is Parvima Stichopus.
Slipper Sea Cucumber ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:154) from Alaska to Baja California
Psolus chitinoides
Dwarf Sea Cucumber ______ CA (ASC:156) from central to southern California
Lissothuria nutriens
Plated Sea Cucumber ______ SC (SCMI:117) from the central Gulf of California to Panama
Psolidium dorsipes
Brown Spotted Sea Cucumber ______ BJ SC (SCMA:104) (SCMI:117) throughout the Gulf of California, and from Baja California to Ecuador, also Galapagos Islands, circumtropical
Holothuria impatiens
Sulphur Sea Cucumber ______ BJ SC (SCMI:118) throughout the Gulf of California, and from Baja California to Ecuador, also Galapagos Islands
Holothuria lubrica
Holothuria zacae (or Vaneyothuria zacae) ______ BJ CA SC (SCMA:103) Santa Catalina Island CA, and from the Gulf of California to the Galapagos Islands
Giant Sea Cucumber ______ BJ (SCMA:104) (SCMI:118) from Baja California to Ecuador, also Galapagos Islands
Isostichopus fuscus

Another name for isostichopus fuscus is Brown Sea Cucumber.

The body length of the Giant Sea Cucumber is from 4 to 13 inches.
Accordian Sea Cucumber ______ SC (SCMA:104) (SCMI:118) from the central Gulf of California to Panama
Euapta godeffroyi

Another name for Euapta godeffroyi is Synapted Sea Cucumber. It is a common species in the Indo-Pacific region.
Common White Synaptid ______ CA pr WA (ASC:260) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California, also North American Atlantic coast
Leptosynapta inhaerens (or Leptosynapta albicans)

TUNICATES, or ASCIDIANS (Class Ascidiacea)
Light Bulb Tunicate ______ CA WA (ASC:102,103,104) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Clavelina huntsmani
Pacific Sea Pork ______ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Aplidium constellatum
Pacific White Crust ______ BJ CA (ASC:118) from Oregon to Panama
Didemnum carnulentum
Elephant Ear Tunicate ______ BJ CA (ASC:27) from northern California to Baja California
Polyclinum planum
Disk-top Tunicate ______ AK CA WA (ASC:122) from Alaska to southern California
Chelyosoma productum
Sea Vase ______ AK CA WA (ASC105) from Alaska to southern California; also North American Atlantic coast
Ciona intestinalis
Yellow-green Creeping Tunicate ______ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Perophora annectens
Horned Tunicate ______ BJ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to northern Chile
Ascidia ceratodes
Club Tunicate ______ CA (ASC:108) in central and southern California
Styela clava

The Club Tunicate is native to Asia. It was carried on ship bottoms into harbors in California (and Europe and Australia) in the early 20th Century.
It is used as a seafood in Korea.
Monterrey Stalked Tunicate ______ BJ CA WA (ASC:42) from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico
Styela montereyensis
Striped Tunicate ______ CA (ASC:106,107) in southern California
Styela plicata
Pacific Star Tunicate ______ CA (ASC:120) from northern to southern California
Botryllus tuberatus
Orange Sheath Tunicate ______ CA WA (ASC:119) along Pacific coast of North America; also North American Atlantic coast
Botrylloides sp.
Taylor's Colonial Tunicate ______ CA WA (ASC:94) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Metandrocarpa taylori
Fused Tunicate ______ CA WA the same geographic range as the previous species
Metandrocarpa dura
Bristly Tunicate ______ CA WA (ASC:110) from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Boltenia villosa
Common Sea Grape ______ CA in California
Molgula manhattensis

Native to the North American Atlantic coast, the Common Sea Grape has been introduced into several bays in central California, where it thrives.

PELAGIC TUNICATES, SALPS (Class Thaliacea)
Common Doliolid ______ BJ CA (ASC:489) in Pacific coastal waters, also off the North American Atlantic and Gulf coasts and in the West Indies
Doliolum nationalis
Horned Salp ______ CA (ASC:490) off California, also in the Atlantic off North America and South America
Thalia democratica
Common Salp ______ AK CA WA (ASC:488) offshore from Alaska to California, also in the Atlantic off the Americas
Salpa fusiformis

LANCELET (Class Leptocardii)
California Lancelet ______ BJ CA from central California south
Branchiostoma californiense

PLANT-LIKE ANIMALS: BRYOZOANS (Phylum Bryozoa)
Branched-spine Bryozoan ______ AK CA WA from Alaska to southern California
Flustrellidra corniculata
Bowerbank's Graceful Bryozoan ______ AK BJ CA WA from Alaska to Baja California, also North American Atlantic coast
Bowerbankia gracilis
Coralline Bryozoan ______ BJ CA WA (ASC:51) from British Columbia, Canada to Costa Rica
Diaperoecia californica
Lacy-crust Bryozoan ______ AK BJ CA WA (ASC:112) from Alaska to Baja California
Membranipora membranacea
Loose Sea Lichen Bryozoan ______ CA WA from British Columbia, Canada to southern California
Dendrobeania laxa
California Spiral-tufted Bryozoan ______ CA west coast of North America
Bugula californica
Black-speckled Bryozoan ______ BJ CA WA (ASC:116) from British Columbia, Canada to Colombia, also Galapagos Islands
Celleporaria brunnea
Lattice-work Bryozoan ______ BJ CA WA (ASC:50) from British Columbia, Canada to Peru
Phidolopora pacifica

References include:

"Sea Life - A Complete Guide to the Marine Environment", edited by Geoffrey Waller, with principal contributors Marc Dando & Michael Burchett, 1996.

"Nature in the Northwest - An Introduction to the Natural History and Ecology of the Northwestern United States from the Rockies to the Pacific", by Susan Schwartz, 1983.

"The Natural History of the Point Reyes Peninsula", revised edition, by Jules Evens, 1993.

Other References:

"Light's Manual of Intertidal Invertebrates of the Central California Coast", 3rd edition, 1975

"Between Pacific Tides", by Ed Rickets and Jack Calvin, 1968

"Intertidal Invertebrates of California", by Robert Morris, Donald Abbott, and Eugene Haderlie, 1980

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