Occurrence of a Crystalline Style in the American Slipper Limpet (Crepidula Fornicata) and its Allies

Abstract

DURING recent investigations, carried out with the aid of a Government grant, on the oyster beds in the river Blackwater, freshly caught specimens of the American slipper-limpet (Crepidula fornicata) were examined fresh microscopically, and the interesting fact was established that this species possesses a crystalline style. Individuals which have been out of water 24 hours or more still possess remains of the style, which has undergone partial solution. Crepidula differs therefore in this respect from the native oyster (O. edulis), the style of which is frequently completely dissolved within 3 to 5 hours after individuals are taken out of water, and is completely dissolved in all specimens after about 10 hours out of water.