Crepidula excavata is a species of marine gastropod mollusc belonging to the family Calyptraeidae, commonly known as slipper snails. It is characterized by its distinctive shell shape and its unique reproductive behavior.
Description & Characteristics
The shell of Crepidula excavata is typically oval-shaped, with a low, conical spire. It can reach a maximum size of around 30 millimeters in length. The shell is typically white or yellowish-brown in color, often with a series of concentric ridges. It has a smooth, glossy surface and is slightly asymmetrical. The animal itself is soft-bodied and has a broad, flat foot.
Habitat and Occurrence
Crepidula excavata is a common inhabitant of intertidal and subtidal zones, typically found in shallow water environments along the Atlantic coast of North America. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including rocky shores, sandflats, and seagrass beds. The species is particularly abundant in the neritic zone, the coastal waters extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Crepidula excavata belongs to the Class Gastropoda, Order Littorinimorpha, and Family Calyptraeidae. This family includes a diverse group of snails that are characterized by their shell shapes and their often-complex reproductive behaviors.
Feeding
Crepidula excavata is a suspension feeder, meaning it filters microscopic food particles from the water. It uses its gills to capture plankton, algae, and other organic matter suspended in the water column. The animal is also known to scavenge on dead and decaying organic matter.
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