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Family Gastrochaenidae

CIRCUMTROPICAL / HAWAII

Gastrochaena cuneiformis

Breathing tubes, Kewalo Hump, Oahu, 90 feet

 

Kewalo Pipe, Oahu, 50 feet

WEDGE BORER

Inhabits permanent burrows it creates within massive Porites coral and limestone, indicated by a pair of external white tubes protecting both siphons.  The shell is too small to fully envelop the animal, and the boring activity contributes to reef bioerosion.  Borers are preyed upon by Pele's and Hawaiian burnt murex.  Attains 1.4 inches. 35 mm.  Circumtropical distribution.