Mystery eggcase

When I went diving earlier this year (beginning of May) me and my buddy found this egg case:

http://www.underwater.com.au/index.php/page/gallery/node_id/787.html

It was about 6 - 8 cm in diameter and looked sandy (we didn't touch it), but later when I found a similar thing on the beach it actually felt rubbery and was quite flexible and strong. Location: Julian Rocks, Byron Bay. Depth: 10 meters.

Who could tell me what creature constructed this (probably a mollusc of some kind)?

Thanks,
Wandy

Contributed by Wandy Hochgrebe added 2003-09-04

Replies of 2

Giac Cavazzini added 2003-09-29: I see them all the time. All up and down the east coast.
I think it could be excrement out of the back end of a mollusc rather than an egg case.
Just a thought.
Some are quite small a few centimetres across and some up to say 10cms.

Wandy Hochgrebe added 2003-12-18: Hmmm....it looks a bit too organised to be some excrement

Anyway, I have been in contact with someone from the Southern Cross Uni who confirmed it was an egg case, probably from some species of moon snail (Naticidae).

Thanks!

Replies of 2

Fantasea Australia
Fantasea Line is an international company that has been involved in diving, water sports and photographic industries for nearly 40 years.

Geeks Underwater: by Samurai; What happens when 5 landlubber geeks go diving at one of the worlds most beautiful dive locations? Lots of salty water, the smell of fear and plenty of fun! I know because I’m a self confessed computer geek and I take breathing for granted every day of my life. I’m told Julian Rocks where we went diving, is one of the worlds best dive spots ...

Mystery eggcase

Gallery

Shopfront

Articles