Austrocochlea brevis is a species of marine snail, a gastropod mollusc in the family Trochidae.
Description and Characteristics
Austrocochlea brevis is a small, distinctive marine snail with a robust, conical shell. The shell is typically brown to dark brown in color, often with a greenish tinge, and is characterized by fine, spiral ridges and a prominent, rounded apex. The aperture of the shell is wide and rounded, and the columella is smooth and slightly curved.
Habitat and Occurrence
Austrocochlea brevis is commonly found in the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal regions of rocky shores. It is a species that prefers areas with strong wave action and high levels of sunlight. The snail is typically found among algae, barnacles, and other invertebrates, where it grazes on the surface of rocks and other hard substrates.
Taxonomy
Austrocochlea brevis belongs to the family Trochidae, a diverse group of marine snails that are commonly known as top shells. The family Trochidae is part of the order Trochida, which is in turn classified within the class Gastropoda.
Feeding
Austrocochlea brevis is a herbivore, feeding primarily on algae and other plant material. It uses its radula, a rasping tongue-like structure, to scrape food from surfaces.
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