|
Geographical
Distribution of the |
 |
|
Geographical
Distribution of the |
|
This is a description of the geographical distribution of Zoila marginata
populations along the Western and Southern Australian coast line.
The existing range and populations are based on known data, however
new data and specimen collection may extend the range of the species.
Photo Pages
Pages with photos of sample specimens and information for each population
are linked via the population names on the active map on this page. Point to
the population name and click to link to the corresponding page.
Ecology
The species and subspecies comprising the Zoila marginata group are reef
dwelling spongivores found in mid depth to deep waters of the Northwestern,
Western and Southern Australian coastline. The marginata as well as all other
members of the Cypraeidae-genus Zoila have a limited larval dispersal mechanism
due to the lack of a planktonic veliger stage. Consequently, morphologically
distinct, isolated populations have developed in some species of Zoila. In some
cases, these populations are recognized as subspecies, for example Zoila marginata
and its subspecies.
The Populations
The populations of Z. marginata are divided into four main
slightly discontinuous groups;
Zoila marginata ketyana - Northwestern Australia
Zoila marginata marginata - Western Australia
Zoila marginata albanyensis - Southwestern Australia
Zoila marginata raybaudii - Southern Australia
Of these groups, the Western population appears to be the largest in area and the most
variable in characters. This population includes sub-population groups identified
as follows;
Form " intermedians " - An intermediate population having transitional characters
between marginata ketyana and marginata marginata.
" Craypot " form - A deepwater population also having transitional characters
between marginata ketyana and marginata marginata but also
displaying a more globose shape and heavier shell characteristic
of deepwater dwelling Cypraea.
Active Distribution Map
The following distribution map is linked to website pages showing photos and
information on the subspecies and forms of Zoila marginata found within each
of the populations. Click on the linked name associated with each population
to view the specific page and related photos/information of the population.
Use the back button of your browser to return to the map or you may use the
"return to map" link to return to the Geographical Distribution page.
|
