Spurillaunaz

Spurillaunaz is a putative species of marine gastropod first described in 2024 by the shell‑collecting team of the Pacific Biodiversity Institute. The organism belongs to the family Auricidae within the class Gastropoda, and its formal scientific name is Spurillaunaz pacifica. The species was discovered during a survey of the shallow lagoons surrounding the remote islands of the South Pacific. Specimens were collected from depths of 5–10 meters where they attach to coral rubble and feed on microscopic algae.

Morphologically, Spurillaunaz displays a translucent shell of 8–10 millimetres in diameter, with a faint pearlescent sheen. The shell has a low spire and an aperture that is wide and rounded. Notable for its tendency to fluoresce under UV light, the species may use this trait for intraspecific communication or for deterring predators. The radula of Spurillaunaz is uniquely adapted to scrape diatoms from coral surfaces, indicating a specialized niche within its ecosystem.

Ecologically, the species is thought to play a role in controlling algal growth on reef substrates, thereby contributing to the overall health of reef habitats. Genetic studies have placed Spurillaunaz in a clade that appears to have diverged from other Auricidae during the Late Miocene. Current research focuses on its reproductive biology, population distribution, and potential vulnerability to ocean acidification.