Neptunea arthritica is a species of large, predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Buccinidae, the true whelks.
Description and Characteristics
Neptunea arthritica is a large, robust whelk with a thick, heavy shell. It can reach a maximum size of 120 mm in length. The shell is typically a pale brown or grayish-white color with dark brown or reddish-brown markings. The shell is characterized by prominent, rounded whorls and a large, open aperture. The outer lip of the aperture is thickened and often has a series of small teeth. The columella (the central pillar of the shell) is smooth and slightly twisted.
Habitat and Occurrence
Neptunea arthritica is a common species in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is found in a variety of habitats, including rocky shores, sand flats, and mud bottoms. It is typically found in depths of 5-100 meters. It is found in both the sublittoral and infralittoral marine zones, indicating its adaptability to different depth ranges and associated environments.
Taxonomy
Neptunea arthritica belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, and Family: Buccinidae. These classifications categorize the species based on its specific features, including its gastropod anatomy, specialized feeding apparatus, and characteristic shell structure.
Feeding
Neptunea arthritica is a predatory snail that feeds on other marine invertebrates, such as clams, mussels, and worms. It uses its strong radula (a toothed tongue) to drill holes into the shells of its prey and then sucks out the soft tissues.
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