Amalda obesa is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Ancillariidae.
Description & Characteristics
Amalda obesa is a relatively small species, with a maximum size of approximately 25 millimeters. Its shell is generally ovate in shape, with a smooth, glossy surface. The color of the shell can vary, but is typically a pale brown or yellowish-brown, often with darker brown markings or bands. The spire of the shell is short and rounded, and the aperture is narrow and elongated.
Habitat and Occurrence
Amalda obesa is found in a variety of marine habitats, including sandy bottoms and seagrass beds. It is a common species in the Indo-Pacific region, with its distribution ranging from the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific Ocean. This species is typically found in the neritic zone, which is the shallow water zone extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Amalda obesa belongs to the Class Gastropoda, which includes all snails and slugs. It is further classified within the Order Neogastropoda, a diverse group of predatory sea snails. The family Ancillariidae, to which Amalda obesa belongs, is characterized by its members’ typically smooth, glossy shells and often elongated apertures.
Feeding
Amalda obesa is a carnivorous species, feeding on other small invertebrates. It is thought to use its radula, a ribbon-like structure with teeth, to scrape and tear its prey. Like many other snails, Amalda obesa is a scavenger, consuming both living and dead organisms.
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