Cycloscala echinaticosta is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Epitoniidae, commonly known as wentletraps. This species is notable for its distinctive shell structure and its prevalence in certain marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
Cycloscala echinaticosta is characterized by its small, delicate, and elongated shell. The shell typically exhibits a white or cream coloration with intricate spiral rows of small, rounded tubercles, giving it a textured appearance. The whorls of the shell are often finely sculptured with delicate, raised lines, further enhancing its intricate nature. The maximum size of the Cycloscala echinaticosta shell is around 10 mm, making it a relatively small species of wentletrap.
Habitat and Occurrence
Cycloscala echinaticosta is found in a variety of marine habitats, including sandy bottoms and coral reefs. The species is typically found in the shallow subtidal zone, at depths ranging from 10 to 50 meters. This places Cycloscala echinaticosta within the Neritic Zone, a marine environment characterized by its relatively shallow depths and proximity to the coast. The species has been observed in both tropical and subtropical waters, suggesting a relatively broad tolerance to temperature variations.
Taxonomy
Cycloscala echinaticosta belongs to the Class Gastropoda, a diverse group of mollusks characterized by a distinct head, a muscular foot, and a spirally coiled shell. The species further falls under the Order Caenogastropoda incertae sedis, a group of sea snails that includes a wide range of forms. Finally, it is classified within the Family Epitoniidae, a family of marine gastropods commonly known as wentletraps, distinguished by their delicate, elongated shells with a distinctive spiral structure.
Feeding
Cycloscala echinaticosta is a carnivorous species that feeds on a diet of small invertebrates. The species utilizes a specialized radula, a tongue-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape food particles from the substrate. This feeding strategy contributes to the Cycloscala echinaticosta‘s role in the marine ecosystem, maintaining the balance of the benthic community through its consumption of small invertebrates.
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