Turbonilla acuta is a species of small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Pyramidellidae, the pyrams and dove snails. This species is commonly found in various marine environments, contributing to the biodiversity of these ecosystems.
Description and Characteristics
Turbonilla acuta is a small, slender snail with a distinctive, elongated shell. The shell is typically white or cream-colored and features numerous fine, spiral ridges. It is characterized by its pointed apex and a slightly flared aperture. The shell can reach a maximum size of about 5 millimeters.
Habitat and Occurrence
Turbonilla acuta is primarily found in the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal waters. It is a common inhabitant of rocky shores, sandy bottoms, and seagrass meadows. This species can be found in a variety of marine zones, from the littoral zone to the neritic zone. It is particularly abundant in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Taxonomy
Turbonilla acuta belongs to the class Gastropoda, which encompasses a vast diversity of snails, slugs, and other marine and terrestrial mollusks. It falls under the family Pyramidellidae, a group of small, often colorful snails with a distinctive, pyramid-shaped shell. The family Pyramidellidae is known for its diverse array of species, many of which are still being discovered and described.
Feeding
Turbonilla acuta, like many other members of the Pyramidellidae family, is a parasitic snail. It feeds on other marine invertebrates, primarily by attaching itself to the host and consuming its body fluids. This specialized feeding strategy has evolved within the Pyramidellidae family, allowing them to exploit a wide range of host species.
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