Siphonaria japonica is a species of air-breathing sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Siphonariidae. It is a common intertidal species found in the rocky shores of Japan and surrounding areas.
Description and Characteristics
Siphonaria japonica is a small, oval-shaped snail with a distinctive, slightly domed shell. Its shell can reach up to 25 mm in length and typically exhibits a grayish-brown color with darker markings. The snail’s body is soft and flexible, allowing it to conform to the uneven surfaces of its rocky habitat.
Habitat and Occurrence
Siphonaria japonica is a primarily intertidal species, meaning it lives in the area of the shoreline that is submerged during high tide and exposed during low tide. This species is commonly found in the mid-intertidal zone, where it can withstand both periods of submersion and exposure. Siphonaria japonica can be found on a variety of rocky substrates, often clinging tightly to surfaces. Its distribution extends across the rocky shores of Japan, encompassing both the Pacific and the Sea of Japan.
Taxonomy
Siphonaria japonica belongs to the family Siphonariidae, a group of marine snails adapted to living in the intertidal zone. They are classified within the order Siphonariida, which is further classified within the larger class Gastropoda, which includes a vast array of snails and slugs.
Feeding
Siphonaria japonica is a herbivorous grazer, primarily feeding on algae and other organic matter that grows on the rocky surfaces of its habitat. Its radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in teeth, is used to scrape algae off the rocks, providing it with sustenance.
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