Bulla arabica is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Bullidae, commonly known as bubble snails. This species, like other members of the genus Bulla, is characterized by its smooth, translucent shell and its ability to inflate its mantle to form a bubble-like structure, hence the common name.
Description and Characteristics
Bulla arabica is a relatively small sea snail, with a maximum shell length of around 20 millimeters. Its shell is thin and fragile, with a smooth, glossy surface. The shell is typically white or cream-colored, sometimes with faint brown markings. The mantle of Bulla arabica is large and fleshy, and it can be inflated to form a bubble-like structure that helps the snail to float and move through the water.
Habitat and Occurrence
Bulla arabica is a common inhabitant of shallow, sandy substrates in the intertidal zone and subtidal areas. It is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to the Philippines. This species is frequently encountered in the neritic zone, the shallow coastal waters of the ocean, where it actively searches for its preferred food sources.
Taxonomy
Bulla arabica belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Cephalaspidea, and Family: Bullidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of marine snails that are characterized by their unique adaptations for a benthic lifestyle, including their ability to burrow in sediments and their distinctive shell shapes.
Feeding
Bulla arabica is a carnivorous predator, feeding primarily on small invertebrates like worms and crustaceans. It uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in tiny teeth, to scrape and tear its prey. The snail’s feeding habits contribute to the ecological balance of its habitat by regulating the populations of its prey organisms.
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