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Who?
Family: Ovulidae
Species: Cyphoma gibbosum
Species ID: O.CG
Description: These gastropods have a roughly cylindrical shell with a bulge (1) running around the middle. The soft fleshy mantle is white with large yellow to orange spots ringed in black (2), and extends outwards from the foot (3) to cover the entire shell, which itself is plain beige to white (4). Sexes appear similar, and juveniles are thinner, cigar-shaped versions of adults
Maximum Size: 4 cm (1.5 in)
Longevity: At least 2 years
Status: Not currently on the IUCN endangered species list
Flamingo Tongue & People: This species is often taken by collectors believing it has a beautiful and brightly coloured shell. However, this colour resides instead in the fleshy mantle and once the animal dies the shell left behind is quite plain
Where?
Geographical Range: Found throughout the shallow waters of the Caribbean
Coral Reef Zone: Found in the back reef, fore reef and drop-off zones
Favourite Habitat: These gastropods are seen almost exclusively on the animals they use as food, including sea fans, sea whips, and other gorgonians, although they occasionally cross open sand in search of new habitat
Depth Range: 2–14 m (6–45 ft)
A Day in The Life:
Dawn: Activity levels increase as the sun rises
Day: Flamingo tongues actively graze on their host gorgonian, where spawning also occurs
Dusk: Activity levels decrease as the sun sets
Night: Flamingo tongues are inactive and rest on their host gorgonian overnight
Who Eats Who?
The flamingo tongue is a predator of gorgonian corals including sea fans, sea plumes, sea rods, and sea whips. The flesh of these gorgonians contains toxic chemicals which the flamingo tongue absorbs to produce its own predator-deterring toxins. Flamingo tongues produce chemicals that make their flesh distasteful to many predators. However, they are still consumed by some large fishes, especially hogfish.
Scuba Diver & Snorkeler Best Practices
Prevent your garbage ending up in the sea : Stow your garbage—never throw it in the sea. Cigarette butts, plastic bags, bottles and other non-biodegradable garbage can remain in the environment for years, causing a threat to many forms of marine life. Turtles can mistake a plastic bag for a jellyfish, swallow it, and then slowly starve to death as their systems are unable to digest plastic. Fishing lines can entangle marine life and wrap around corals, eventually weakening and breaking them. When onboard a dive boat, always ensure that you stow garbage in a closed bin or bag, where it cannot blow away in the wind. Remember the maxim: “Take only pictures and memories; leave only bubbles.”
