The Punctata Thorn Drupe, Spotted Thorn Drupe, scientifically known as Acanthinucella punctulata, is a marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the Muricidae family. These fascinating creatures are characterized by their distinctive shell and predatory feeding habits.
Description & Characteristics
Acanthinucella punctulata exhibits a conical shell with a pointed apex, typically displaying a range of brown, orange, and white hues. The surface of the shell is adorned with numerous small, raised nodules that resemble spots, giving rise to the name “Spotted Thorn Drupe.” This species can reach a maximum size of around 50 millimeters, making it a moderately sized gastropod.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Punctata Thorn Drupe, Spotted Thorn Drupe is a common resident of the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans. This means it can be found from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters in depth, making it a common sight in neritic marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Acanthinucella punctulata is classified as a gastropod mollusk, belonging to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Neogastropoda, and Family: Muricidae. This family is renowned for its diverse array of species, many of which are predatory.
Feeding
Acanthinucella punctulata is a carnivorous gastropod, specializing in a predatory diet. It feeds on a variety of invertebrates, using its sharp radula, a tongue-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape and tear its prey. This makes it an important component of the marine food web, playing a crucial role in regulating the population dynamics of its prey species.
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