Clanculus albanyensis is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Trochidae, the top snails.
Description and Characteristics
The shell of Clanculus albanyensis is small, typically reaching a maximum size of 6 millimeters. It exhibits a conical shape with a slightly raised spire. The shell surface is adorned with fine, spiral ridges that are often punctuated by minute granules. The color of the shell can vary, ranging from whitish to pale pink or even orange. The aperture, or opening, of the shell is circular and possesses a distinct, pearly luster.
Habitat and Occurrence
Clanculus albanyensis is typically found in the intertidal zone, residing on rocky shores and reefs. This species is often encountered in the infralittoral zone, a marine zone extending from the low tide mark to a depth of approximately 20 meters. It is considered a common inhabitant of these coastal ecosystems, making it a prevalent presence in the marine life of these regions.
Taxonomy
The species Clanculus albanyensis belongs to the family Trochidae, a group of marine snails known for their characteristic top-shaped shells. It falls under the order Trochida, a diverse group of gastropods that includes a wide variety of sea snails. Further classifying it, Clanculus albanyensis belongs to the Class Gastropoda, a large and diverse group of mollusks that includes snails, slugs, and nudibranchs.
Feeding
The feeding habits of Clanculus albanyensis are not fully understood. However, it is believed to be an herbivore, primarily feeding on algae and other microscopic organisms found on rocky surfaces. It likely utilizes its radula, a specialized tongue-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape algae from the substrate.
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