Gibbula drepanensis is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Trochidae, the top snails. It is a common and widespread species found in various marine environments.
Description and Characteristics
Gibbula drepanensis is a small, typically white or cream-colored snail with a distinctive, slightly conical shell. The shell measures approximately 10-15 millimeters in diameter. The shell is characterized by numerous, fine spiral ridges that give it a slightly rough texture. The shell is generally smooth, with a well-defined apex and a wide, open aperture. The aperture is rounded and has a slightly thickened lip. The snail itself is relatively small, usually measuring less than 10 millimeters in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
Gibbula drepanensis is a common and widespread species found in various marine environments, primarily along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a typically intertidal species, commonly found in rocky intertidal zones, tide pools, and on seaweeds. The species can be found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to 100 meters. This snail is often found in the infralittoral zone, which is the marine zone located between the low tide mark and the shallow subtidal zone. It can tolerate a wide range of salinity and temperatures, making it well-adapted to the dynamic conditions of its intertidal habitat.
Taxonomy
The species Gibbula drepanensis belongs to the family Trochidae, the top snails, and the order Trochida. It is further classified within the class Gastropoda, which encompasses a vast array of mollusks, including snails, slugs, and nudibranchs.
Feeding
Gibbula drepanensis is a herbivore, primarily feeding on algae and other plant matter. It uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape algae off rocks and seaweeds. This species plays an important role in the intertidal ecosystem by helping to control the growth of algae.
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