The Mottled Topsnail, Jujube Top Shell, scientifically known as Calliostoma jujubinum, is a marine gastropod mollusc belonging to the family Calliostomatidae. It is a captivating species renowned for its striking appearance and intriguing ecological role.
Description & Characteristics
The Calliostoma jujubinum boasts a distinctive conical shell with a pronounced spire. Its shell, typically reaching a maximum size of 30 millimeters, exhibits a characteristic mottled pattern, a blend of reddish-brown and white markings, against a creamy-white background. This intricate coloration provides excellent camouflage, allowing the snail to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Mottled Topsnail, Jujube Top Shell is a common inhabitant of the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans, ranging from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters depth. Its neritic habitat makes it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. This diverse range allows the species to thrive in various environments, from shallow rocky shores to deeper, more open waters.
Taxonomy
The species Calliostoma jujubinum belongs to the Class Gastropoda, Order Trochida, and Family Calliostomatidae. This classification places it within a group of marine snails characterized by their coiled shells and a unique anatomical structure known as a “torsion,” which twists the visceral mass and mantle cavity during development.
Feeding
The Mottled Topsnail, Jujube Top Shell, Calliostoma jujubinum, is a carnivore, exhibiting predatory behavior. Its diet consists primarily of small invertebrates, which it hunts and captures using its radula, a specialized ribbon-like structure covered in teeth. This feeding strategy plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem, contributing to the control of prey populations and the flow of energy through the food web.
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