Eggs and Egg Capsules of Three Stenoglossan Gastropod Species, Ceratostoma rorifluum, Ocinebrellus inornatum & Neptunnea constricta, (Mollusca: Neogatropoda) in the Korean Waters

The morphology of molluscan egg capsule is generally regarded as being species specific (Turner, 1992), and form and structure of the egg capsule reflect the degree of anatomical complexity of the reproductive organs (Fretter ＆ Hian, 1984). Ceratostoma rorifluum and Ocinebrellus inornatum are common and widespread muricid species found throughout the Korean rocky and boulder shores, and Neptunnea constricta is found frequently from continental shelf of the eastern sea of Korea. In spite of their predominance along the Korean coasts, morphology of their eggs and egg capsules is unknown so far. The purpose of the present study, therefore, is to provide descriptions and illustrations for identifying egg capsules of the foregoing 3 stenoglossan gastropod species. (omitted)