Acteocina infrequens is a small, marine snail that belongs to the family Tornatinidae. It is a relatively common species, inhabiting a wide range of coastal waters.
Description & Characteristics
Acteocina infrequens is characterized by its small size, typically reaching a maximum length of around 10 millimeters. Its shell is smooth and glossy, with a delicate, translucent appearance. The shell is usually white or pale yellow in color, often with faint markings or bands. It has a distinctive pointed apex, which is slightly curved. The aperture of the shell is relatively large and oval-shaped, and the outer lip is thin and slightly flared.
Habitat and Occurrence
Acteocina infrequens is found in a variety of marine environments, including shallow coastal waters, intertidal zones, and deeper subtidal regions. This species is particularly common in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms. It can be found throughout the world, with a wide distribution across temperate and tropical oceans. This species is typically found in the neritic zone, the shallow marine waters that extend from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Acteocina infrequens belongs to the family Tornatinidae, which is part of the Order Cephalaspidea within the Class Gastropoda. This classification places Acteocina infrequens within a diverse group of marine snails that share common anatomical and evolutionary features.
Feeding
Acteocina infrequens is a carnivorous snail that preys on other small invertebrates, such as polychaetes, nematodes, and other gastropods. Its feeding behavior involves using its radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in teeth, to scrape and tear its prey. This species plays an important role in the marine food web by controlling populations of its prey species.
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