The Carinate Dove Snail – Alia carinata is a marine gastropod mollusk that belongs to the Columbellidae family. This species is distinguished by its unique shell morphology and its predatory feeding habits. It is a common sight in various coastal ecosystems, particularly those characterized by the presence of seaweed and other marine vegetation.
Description & Characteristics
The Carinate Dove Snail – Alia carinata possesses a moderately sized, elongated shell that typically ranges in color from white to light brown. Its shell is adorned with distinct ridges or carinae, hence its name. These carinae run vertically along the shell, giving it a rough and textured appearance. The shell’s aperture, or opening, is relatively narrow and oval-shaped.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Carinate Dove Snail – Alia carinata is typically found in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, which encompass the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. It is commonly observed in various marine habitats, including algae zones, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows. The Carinate Dove Snail – Alia carinata thrives in both shallow and deeper waters, demonstrating its adaptability to a range of marine environments.
Taxonomy
The Carinate Dove Snail – Alia carinata is classified within the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, and Family: Columbellidae. This classification places it among the diverse group of marine snails that share a common evolutionary history and characteristics.
Feeding
The Carinate Dove Snail – Alia carinata is a carnivore and a predatory species, feeding primarily on other smaller invertebrates. Its predatory nature contributes to the balance of marine ecosystems.
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