brachiopod Liothyrella uva antarctica

Liothyrella uva antarctica is found around Antarctica except the Antarctic Peninsula from 15 to 860 meters depth [1,3].

L. uva antarctica shell length is up to two centimeters [1].

The muricid gastropod Trophon longstaffi is a predator of L. uva [5].

Liothyrella uva antarctica is benthic, attached by a pedicle, and filters out phytoplankton for food [2]. L. uva antarctica has been found attached to stylasterine corals, principally Errina, and less often to stony bryozoans [1]. Females brood their larvae [2].

The Peninsular Liothyrella uva appears to be chemically defended from many predators, in addition to having calcareous spicules in its tissues, and being enclosed by a shell [4]. The Peninsular Liothyrella uva has growth lines implying lifespans of decades [4].

Brachiopods are also called lamp shells because they resemble early Roman oil lamps. Brachiopods occur in all oceans and, though no longer numerous, were once one of the most abundant forms of life.

Taxonomic Note: Liothyrella uva is divided into various subspecies [1].

1: Recent Antarctic and Subantarctic Brachiopods. MW Foster. Antarctic Research Series Volume 21. Washington : American Geophysical Union, 1974; 2: Marine Biology 132(1):153-162, 1998; 3: Jim Mastro, personal communication, 1999 (dive from 15 - 27 meters at McMurdo Station salt water intake jetty); 4: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 169(1):103-116, 1993; 5: Polar Biology 26(3):208-217, 2003

Text ©Peter Brueggeman. Photographs ©Jim Mastro & Rob Robbins. Photographs may not be used in any form without the express written permission of Jim Mastro & Rob Robbins.