Turbo cornutus, commonly known as the “Turbo cornutus,” is a species of large, marine snail belonging to the family Turbinidae. These snails are prized for their distinctive shells and are found in a variety of habitats throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Description & Characteristics
Turbo cornutus is a robust, snail with a heavy, conical shell. The shell can reach a maximum size of and is typically adorned with intricate patterns and a variety of colors, often exhibiting shades of brown, white, and orange. The aperture of the shell is large and rounded, featuring a distinctive, prominent lip that projects outward. The operculum, which is a hard, protective structure that covers the opening of the shell when the snail retracts, is thick and in this species.
Habitat and Occurrence
Turbo cornutus is a common inhabitant of rocky reefs and coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. This species can be found in a variety of marine zones, including the and .
Taxonomy
Turbo cornutus is a member of the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Trochida, and Family: Turbinidae. This classification places Turbo cornutus within a large and diverse group of snails that are characterized by their coiled shells and presence of an operculum.
Feeding
Turbo cornutus is an herbivorous snail, feeding primarily on algae. They use their radula, a tongue-like structure covered in rows of teeth, to scrape algae off of rocks and surfaces. This grazing habit plays an important role in maintaining the health of coral reefs, as it helps to control the growth of algae and allow other species to thrive.
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