Turbonilla reticulata is a species of small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Pyramidellidae, the pyrams and their allies.
Description & Characteristics
Turbonilla reticulata is a small, slender snail, usually reaching a maximum size of about 6 millimeters. The shell is typically white or light brown, with a delicate, reticulated pattern of fine lines. The spire is tall and slender, with numerous whorls. The aperture is small and oval-shaped, with a distinct siphonal canal.
Habitat and Occurrence
Turbonilla reticulata is a common species found in the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal waters. Its distribution is widespread, occurring in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the North Sea. It typically inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms, often amongst seaweed or other marine vegetation. This makes it a prevalent presence in the neritic zone, the area of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Turbonilla reticulata belongs to the class Gastropoda, which encompasses a vast array of snails and slugs. The Pyramidellidae family, to which Turbonilla reticulata belongs, is characterized by its members’ small, slender shells and distinctive apertural features.
Feeding
Turbonilla reticulata is a carnivorous snail, feeding primarily on other small marine invertebrates. Its diet likely consists of polychaete worms, small crustaceans, and other mollusks. Its small size and slender shell allow it to access crevices and other tight spaces where its prey might be found.
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