The Lance Cowry, Allied Cowry, Ovulid, scientifically known as Aclyvolva lanceolata, is a captivating marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Ovulidae. This species, often found on living corals, exhibits unique characteristics and plays a crucial role within its marine environment.
Description & Characteristics
The Aclyvolva lanceolata is a relatively small cowry, typically reaching a maximum size of a few centimeters. Its shell is smooth and glossy, often displaying a variety of colors and patterns. This intricate shell design provides camouflage, helping the Aclyvolva lanceolata blend seamlessly into its coral surroundings. The shell’s shape is elongated and somewhat pointed, giving it a distinctive lance-like appearance, which likely contributes to its common name.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Lance Cowry, Allied Cowry, Ovulid is primarily found in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, which encompass the deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 meters water depth. These zones are considered part of the neritic marine environment, characterized by relatively shallow waters and a rich diversity of marine life. This species thrives in these environments, particularly on living corals, where it finds both shelter and sustenance.
Taxonomy
The species Aclyvolva lanceolata belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Littorinimorpha, and Family: Ovulidae. This classification places it within a large and diverse group of marine snails, highlighting its evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics with other gastropod species.
Feeding
The Aclyvolva lanceolata is known to be a corallivorous species, meaning it feeds on coral polyps. This dietary preference makes it a parasitic organism, relying on the host coral for its survival. The Aclyvolva lanceolata uses its specialized mouthparts to extract polyps from the coral, contributing to the intricate balance of the coral reef ecosystem.
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