Cuspivolva cuspis is a species of marine snail, a gastropod mollusk in the family Ovulidae, commonly known as the “cowrie snails.” This species is renowned for its beautiful, intricately patterned shell, which is often collected by shell enthusiasts.
Description & Characteristics
The shell of Cuspivolva cuspis is typically small, reaching a maximum size of around 10 mm in length. Its shape is characteristically ovate, meaning egg-shaped, with a smooth, glossy surface. The coloration of the shell can vary, often displaying a combination of cream, brown, and orange hues. The shell’s surface is typically covered with intricate patterns of spots, lines, and swirls, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Habitat and Occurrence
Cuspivolva cuspis is a marine snail that primarily inhabits shallow waters. It is often found in the intertidal zone, the area of the seashore that is alternately exposed and submerged by the tides. These snails prefer sandy or muddy substrates, where they can burrow and hide from predators. They are most commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, where they are a significant part of the marine ecosystem. This distribution encompasses various marine zones, including the neritic zone, which extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Cuspivolva cuspis belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Littorinimorpha, and Family: Ovulidae. This classification places Cuspivolva cuspis within a diverse group of marine snails known for their beautiful, often intricately patterned shells.
Feeding
Cuspivolva cuspis is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on other mollusks, particularly those belonging to the family Turridae. These snails employ a unique feeding strategy, using a specialized proboscis, a long, flexible, tube-like structure, to extract the soft tissues of their prey from their shells. This predatory behavior contributes to the ecological balance of the marine environments where they reside.
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