The Changeable Nassa, also known scientifically as Tritia mutabilis, is a small to medium-sized sea snail that is commonly found in the intertidal and subtidal zones of coastal areas. This species is characterized by its variable coloration and shell morphology, contributing to its common name.
Description & Characteristics
The Changeable Nassa, Tritia mutabilis, can reach a maximum size of approximately 25 millimeters. Its shell is typically elongated and spindle-shaped, with a pointed apex and a slightly flared aperture. The shell exhibits a wide range of colors and patterns, often displaying shades of brown, gray, white, and even reddish hues. The surface of the shell may be smooth or exhibit fine spiral ridges. This variability in coloration and shell morphology has earned the species its common name, “Changeable Nassa.”
Habitat and Occurrence
The Changeable Nassa, Tritia mutabilis, is a common inhabitant of intertidal and subtidal zones in a variety of marine environments. It prefers sandy or muddy substrates and can be found in areas with moderate wave action. This species has a broad distribution, occurring along the coastlines of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the British Isles, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea. It’s particularly common in the neritic zone, the shallow part of the ocean extending from the shoreline out to the edge of the continental shelf. This zone encompasses the intertidal and subtidal areas where Tritia mutabilis thrives.
Taxonomy
The species Tritia mutabilis belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, and Family: Nassariidae. Gastropods are a diverse group of mollusks that include snails, slugs, and limpets. Neogastropoda is an order of predatory sea snails with a distinctive siphon and a muscular foot. Nassariidae, commonly known as the nassa mud snails, is a family of marine gastropods, many of which are carnivorous or scavengers.
Feeding
The Changeable Nassa, Tritia mutabilis, is an opportunistic feeder and exhibits a varied diet that includes algae, carrion, detritus, and even flakes. It uses its radula, a toothed tongue-like structure, to scrape food from surfaces and its siphon to detect prey. This versatility in its feeding habits allows the species to thrive in various marine environments.
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