Cancellaria nodulifera is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cancellariidae.
Description & Characteristics
Cancellaria nodulifera is a medium-sized sea snail, reaching a maximum size of about 30 mm. The shell is characterized by a prominent, elongated, and fusiform shape. It is typically cream-colored with a brown aperture and features distinct spiral cords and axial ribs, giving it a distinctive, reticulated appearance. The shell’s surface is also covered in small, bead-like nodules, hence its specific name “nodulifera,” meaning “nodule-bearing.”
Habitat and Occurrence
Cancellaria nodulifera is a common inhabitant of the shallow subtidal zone, typically found at depths ranging from 10 to 50 meters. It prefers sandy or muddy bottoms and is frequently observed in association with coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and other marine habitats. Its distribution is known to include areas in the tropical Western Atlantic Ocean, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Cancellaria nodulifera belongs to the Class Gastropoda, Order Neogastropoda, and Family Cancellariidae. This family is characterized by its members’ distinctive shell shapes and intricate surface ornamentation, with many species exhibiting the characteristic spiral cords and axial ribs observed in Cancellaria nodulifera.
Feeding
Cancellaria nodulifera is a carnivorous sea snail, feeding primarily on small invertebrates, such as worms and other mollusks. It likely uses its radula, a tongue-like structure covered in rows of teeth, to scrape and capture its prey.
Image References