Gibbula capensis is a species of small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Trochidae, the top snails.
Description & Characteristics
Gibbula capensis is a small, with a conical shell that can grow to a maximum size of about 18 mm in length. Its shell is typically a mottled reddish-brown colour, with darker brown or black streaks and spots. The shell is also often covered in a thin layer of algae or other marine organisms. The aperture of the shell is rounded and slightly oblique, and the outer lip is often thickened and slightly flared. The operculum, which is a hard, horny plate that closes the aperture of the shell, is usually oval-shaped and has a central nucleus.
Habitat and Occurrence
Gibbula capensis is a common species found in the intertidal zone of rocky shores and reefs. It is particularly common in areas with strong wave action and moderate exposure to sunlight. This species is typically found in the lower intertidal zone, but can also be found in the subtidal zone, down to a depth of about 10 meters. In terms of marine zones, Gibbula capensis is a characteristic species of the infralittoral zone, the area below the low tide mark where the water is constantly present.
Taxonomy
The species Gibbula capensis belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Trochida, and Family: Trochidae. The Trochidae are a family of marine snails that are commonly known as top snails. Trochids are characterized by their conical shells, which have a well-defined apex and a rounded aperture. They are often found in intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats.
Feeding
Gibbula capensis is a herbivorous snail that feeds primarily on algae. It uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape algae off rocks and other surfaces. Gibbula capensis plays an important role in the marine ecosystem as a grazer, helping to control the growth of algae and maintain the balance of the intertidal community.
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