Coralliophila costularis is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.
Description & Characteristics
The shell of Coralliophila costularis is typically a fusiform shape, with a pointed apex and a wide aperture. The shell can grow to a maximum length of about 40 mm, with a characteristically rough surface covered in numerous, prominent ribs or costae. The coloration of the shell is highly variable, but often exhibits a mix of browns, yellows, and oranges, sometimes with white patches or streaks. This coloration helps camouflage the snail among the coral reefs it inhabits.
Habitat and Occurrence
Coralliophila costularis is a common inhabitant of shallow, tropical and subtropical coral reefs. This species is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. It prefers to live in areas with abundant coral cover, where it can find its preferred prey. The species is often found in the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal zone, but can also be found at depths of up to 30 meters.
Taxonomy
Coralliophila costularis is classified within the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, and Family: Muricidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of marine snails known for their predatory habits and often spiny or elaborate shells.
Feeding
Coralliophila costularis is a carnivorous snail that specializes in feeding on corals. Its feeding habits involve drilling through the coral’s hard skeleton using its radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in sharp teeth. Once a hole is created, the snail inserts its proboscis, a long, flexible structure, to suck out the coral’s soft tissues. This predatory behavior plays a significant role in the coral reef ecosystem, contributing to the natural regulation of coral growth and the maintenance of biodiversity.
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