Conasprella emarginata is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails, cone shells or cone snails.
Description & Characteristics
Conasprella emarginata, like other cone snails, possesses a distinctive conical shell. Its size can reach up to 33 mm in length. The shell typically exhibits a white to cream-colored background adorned with dark brown, reddish-brown, or orange-brown spiral bands. The aperture, or opening, of the shell is narrow and elongated.
Habitat and Occurrence
Conasprella emarginata is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region. It prefers shallow water habitats, often residing in the intertidal zone or just below the surface. The species’ distribution extends to depths of around 10 meters. Its presence is notable in the neritic zone, which encompasses the coastal waters extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Conasprella emarginata belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, and Family: Conidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of marine snails known for their unique conical shells and venomous harpoons.
Feeding
Conasprella emarginata, like other cone snails, is a carnivorous predator. It uses a venomous harpoon to paralyze its prey, which typically consists of small marine organisms such as worms, fish, and other snails. This hunting strategy is characteristic of the Conidae family, highlighting their role as efficient hunters within their marine ecosystems.
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