Rissoa variabilis

, Rissoa variabilis
Water Type: Marine

Rissoa variabilis is a species of small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Rissoidae. It is a common and widespread species found in various coastal habitats, particularly in the intertidal zone.

Description & Characteristics

Rissoa variabilis is a small snail, typically reaching a maximum size of around 5 millimeters in length. The shell is usually white or yellowish-white, and it can have a variety of patterns and markings. These patterns may be longitudinal, transverse, or even reticulated. The shell is generally oval-shaped and has a pointed apex. It also possesses a distinctive operculum, a hard, horny plate that covers the opening of the shell.

Habitat and Occurrence

Rissoa variabilis is found in a wide range of marine habitats, including the intertidal zone, rocky shores, and sheltered bays. It is often found among algae, barnacles, and other invertebrates. This species is particularly common in the infralittoral zone, which is the submerged area of the shoreline that is regularly covered and uncovered by tides. It is also found in the sublittoral zone, which is the area below the intertidal zone that is permanently submerged.

Taxonomy

Rissoa variabilis belongs to the family Rissoidae, which is a large and diverse family of sea snails. The Rissoidae family is part of the order Littorinimorpha, and this order is in turn a member of the class Gastropoda. This classification system reflects the evolutionary relationships between Rissoa variabilis and other marine snails.

Feeding

Rissoa variabilis is a herbivorous snail and feeds primarily on algae. It scrapes algae from rocks and other surfaces using its radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in tiny teeth. This feeding habit makes it an important part of the marine ecosystem, helping to control the growth of algae and contribute to the overall health of the coastal environment.

Associated Species

Image References

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