The Common Cerithe, Common Needle Whelk, Cornet, scientifically known as Cerithium vulgatum, is a common and widely distributed species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cerithiidae. This species is easily recognizable due to its distinctive elongated, conical shell, and its widespread occurrence throughout various marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
Cerithium vulgatum showcases a characteristically elongated, conical shell that can reach a maximum size of approximately 50 mm in length. The shell exhibits a variable color pattern, often ranging from pale yellowish-brown to dark brown or even reddish hues. The shell surface features numerous fine spiral ribs and axial ridges, contributing to its rough texture. The aperture, or opening of the shell, is relatively small and rounded, and the outer lip is often thickened. This species, like many other marine gastropods, has a soft, fleshy body that is housed within the protective shell.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Common Cerithe, Common Needle Whelk, Cornet, Cerithium vulgatum, is a highly adaptable species, thriving in a variety of marine environments. It is commonly found in Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic. This adaptability allows it to inhabit a wide range of depths and substrate types, making it a ubiquitous presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Cerithium vulgatum belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Caenogastropoda incertae sedis, and Family: Cerithiidae. This classification system places it within a broader group of marine snails, highlighting its evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics with other gastropod species.
Feeding
Cerithium vulgatum is a detritus feeder, playing a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by consuming and breaking down organic matter. They primarily feed on algae, detritus, and sediment, contributing to the recycling of nutrients within their habitat. This feeding behavior makes them important components of the food chain, supporting other organisms that rely on the breakdown of organic matter.
Image References