Conasprella baccata is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, commonly known as cone snails. These snails are known for their distinctive conical shells and venomous harpoons, which they use to paralyze their prey.
Description & Characteristics
Conasprella baccata exhibits a relatively small size, reaching a maximum length of approximately 25 millimeters. The shell of this species is characterized by its smooth, glossy surface and its elongated, conical shape. The color of the shell can vary, ranging from a pale beige to a light brown, often adorned with subtle, darker markings.
Habitat and Occurrence
Conasprella baccata is a marine species that typically inhabits the Indo-Pacific region. Specifically, it is found in the tropical waters of the western Pacific Ocean, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. This species exhibits a depth range of 10 to 100 meters, suggesting it inhabits the shallow subtidal zone, or the area that is submerged at high tide but exposed at low tide. This zone is characterized by a diverse array of marine life and a fluctuating environment, offering a variety of resources and challenges for Conasprella baccata.
Taxonomy
The species Conasprella baccata belongs to the Class Gastropoda, Order Neogastropoda, and Family Conidae. Gastropods, or snails and slugs, represent a vast and diverse group of mollusks, characterized by their spirally coiled shells and their unique ability to move by gliding on a muscular foot. Neogastropoda is an order within Gastropoda that includes many predatory and carnivorous snails, including cone snails. Conidae, the family to which Conasprella baccata belongs, encompasses a wide range of cone snails, all possessing the distinctive conical shell and the venomous harpoon.
Feeding
Conasprella baccata, like other cone snails, is a predatory species that relies on its venomous harpoon to subdue its prey. This harpoon, located within the snail’s proboscis, is a modified radula tooth that can be rapidly injected into the prey, delivering a powerful neurotoxin. The venom paralyzes the prey, allowing the cone snail to safely consume it. The specific prey items of Conasprella baccata are not fully documented, but it is likely to target small invertebrates, such as worms, crustaceans, and other mollusks, found within its subtidal habitat.
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