Family PHYLLIROIDAE Menke, 1830

Family Phylliroidae. Phylliroe bucephalum.(from Beesley, Ross & Wells 1998) [S. Weidland]

Museums

Regional Maps

• Phylliroidae Menke, C.T. 1830. Synopsis Methodica Molluscorum. Pyrmonti : Publisher unknown Vol. 2.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Menke, C.T. 1830. Synopsis Methodica Molluscorum. Pyrmonti : Publisher unknown Vol. 2.

Introduction

A cosmopolitan family of highly modified, pelagic dendronotinans in which the cerata are lost and the foot is absent or highly reduced. They are laterally compressed and lanceolate in shape, never more than 40 mm long. The body wall is transparent.
The young of Phylliroe are known to parasitise the medusae of Zanclea. Adults are free living, they are usually found near the surface at night and luminesce brilliantly.

[Compiled from Beesley et. al. (1998)]

General References

Beesley, P.L., Ross, G.J.B. & Wells, A. (eds) 1998. Mollusca: The Southern Synthesis. Fauna of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing Vol. 5(Part B) pp. vi–viii, 565–1234. [1006]

History of changes