Rhynchopelta concentrica McLean 1989

Rhynchopelta is unlikely to be confused with any other protoconch. The only other peltospirid protoconch close to it in size, Ctenopelta porifera (pictured at left), is quite different morphologically.

This is one of the few easily identified peltospirids. It is a large protoconch with strong lineation extending about 2/3 of the way to the aperture. Like most peltospirids, the aperture is straight viewed from the side and flares out to the sides when viewed from from the top, as in the third photo above. There is also an abrupt ridge on either side of the base near the axis of coiling. The shell is transparent and robust; they are seldom found damaged.

Size under dissecting microscope: 290µm
Size under compound microscope: 280µm

Rhynchopelta concentrica is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Peltospiridae.

hydrothermal vents and seeps