The Cake Nassa, Casket Nassa, Little Box Dog Whelk (Nassarius arcularia) is a common and widespread species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Nassariidae. This species is known for its distinctive shell and intriguing behaviors.
Description and Characteristics
The shell of Nassarius arcularia is typically small, reaching a maximum size of about 25 millimeters. Its shape is broadly conical, with a rounded apex and a slightly expanded aperture. The shell surface is usually smooth, with fine spiral lines and occasional growth lines. The color of the shell is highly variable, ranging from cream or pale brown to reddish-brown, often with darker markings.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Cake Nassa, Casket Nassa, Little Box Dog Whelk (Nassarius arcularia) is a species that favors intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. It is often found on muddy or sandy bottoms, where it actively forages for food. These snails are commonly observed in both temperate and tropical marine environments, typically found in depths ranging from the intertidal zone to around 10 meters. Nassarius arcularia is often a prominent inhabitant of the neritic zone, a marine zone extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Nassarius arcularia belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, and Family: Nassariidae. This family includes a wide diversity of marine snails, many of which are carnivorous or scavengers.
Feeding
Nassarius arcularia is a carnivore, primarily feeding on carrion and detritus. It plays a significant role in marine ecosystems as a scavenger, cleaning up dead organisms and decaying matter. This feeding behavior contributes to nutrient recycling and ecosystem balance.
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