Littorina subrotundata, commonly known as the “round periwinkle”, is a species of small sea snail belonging to the family Littorinidae. These snails are distinguished by their distinctive rounded shells, which are typically gray or brown in color. Their distribution and habitat preferences make them a fascinating subject of study in the field of marine biology.
Description & Characteristics
Littorina subrotundata has a relatively small, rounded shell that can grow up to 15 mm in length. The shell is often covered in algae and other marine organisms, lending it a mottled appearance. The aperture of the shell is usually slightly wider than it is high. These snails are typically gray or brown in color, and their shells often exhibit a pattern of darker stripes or blotches.
Habitat and Occurrence
Littorina subrotundata is found in a variety of intertidal habitats, from the lower to the upper intertidal zones. They are typically found on rocky shores and in areas exposed to wave action. They are particularly abundant in the mid-intertidal zone, where they are often found clinging to rocks, seaweed, and other substrates. This species is found along the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from Newfoundland to Florida. Their preferred marine zone is the neritic zone, which encompasses the relatively shallow waters of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Littorina subrotundata belongs to the Class Gastropoda, Order Littorinimorpha, and Family Littorinidae. The family Littorinidae comprises numerous species of small, intertidal snails, often referred to as periwinkles.
Feeding
Littorina subrotundata is a herbivore, feeding primarily on algae and diatoms that it scrapes from rocks and other surfaces. Its radula, a rasping tongue-like structure, is adapted for this type of feeding.
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