COCCULINIFORM LIMPETS (COCCULINIDAE AND PYROPELTIDAE) LIVING ON WHALE BONE IN THE DEEP SEA OFF CALIFORNIA

Cocculiniform limpets of the families Cocculinidae and Pyropeltidae are here reported for the first time on whale bone in the deep sea. The new species and records of previously described species are from four whale-falls at bathyal depths on the continental margin off California, from Monterey Bay to the Catalina Basin. The family Cocculinidae is represented by the new species Cocculina craigsmithi. With few exceptions, the previously known species of Cocculinidae are known from wood substrates. The family Pyropeltidae is represented by three species: Pyropelta musaica McLean & Haszprunar, 1987, originally described from the Juan de Fuca hydrothermal vents, Pyropelta corymba McLean & Haszprunar, 1987, originally described from the hydrothermal vent habitat at the Guaymas Basin, and one new species, P. wakefieldi. The two previously known species of Pyropelta have heretofore been regarded as obligate members of the sulfide habitat of hydrothermal vents. Pyropelta species are the first gastropods known from both habitats. Like the hydrothermal-vent habitat, the newly reported habitat on whale bone is also a sulfide-rich, reducing environment.