Kelletia lischkei is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Austrosiphonidae. This species is notable for its distinctive appearance and its presence in various marine habitats.
Description & Characteristics
Kelletia lischkei is a medium-sized sea snail, typically reaching a maximum size of around 50 millimeters. Its shell is characterized by its elongated, fusiform shape with a pointed apex. The shell surface displays a series of prominent axial ribs, giving it a rough, textured appearance. The color of the shell can vary, ranging from pale brown to a darker reddish-brown. The aperture of the shell is relatively large and oval-shaped, with a distinct siphonal canal extending from the base.
Habitat and Occurrence
Kelletia lischkei is a common inhabitant of rocky reefs and sandy bottoms in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. It can be found in a variety of marine habitats, including estuaries and coastal waters. This species is typically found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to around 50 meters. Kelletia lischkei is a prevalent presence in the neritic zone, the region of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Kelletia lischkei is classified within the Class Gastropoda, which encompasses a vast array of snails and slugs. It belongs to the Order Neogastropoda, a group characterized by their predatory habits and well-developed siphon. Within this order, it is further classified under the Family Austrosiphonidae, a family of marine snails that are known for their distinct shell morphology.
Feeding
Kelletia lischkei is a carnivorous sea snail that feeds primarily on other marine invertebrates. Its diet typically consists of worms, crustaceans, and other mollusks. The snail uses its radula, a toothed structure in its mouth, to rasp and scrape its prey, consuming the soft tissues. This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem by controlling the populations of its prey species.
Image References