Larval development of deep-sea gastropods (Prosobranchia: Neogastropoda) from the Rockall Trough

The larval shell morphology of 14 species of neogastropod from the Rockall Trough, N.E. Atlantic has been examined using scanning electron microscopy. Mode of development has been interpreted from protoconch size and morphological features, from the ratio of protoconch diameter to number of larval whorls and by comparisons with confamilial or congeneric shallow-water neogastropods in which development is known. Eight species have non-planktotrophic and 6 have planktotrophic development. Food availability and feeding strategy are important factors in the development of the two different reproductive strategies in the deep sea.