Turritella exoleta is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Turritellidae. These snails are known for their distinctive, elongated, and spiraled shells, which are a common sight in many marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
Turritella exoleta shells are typically 2-4 cm in length, although they can occasionally reach up to 7 cm. The shell is characterized by its slender, conical shape and numerous, closely spaced whorls. The whorls are often marked with fine longitudinal ribs and a distinctive spiral sculpture, giving the shell a somewhat rough appearance. The aperture (opening) of the shell is relatively small and oval-shaped.
Habitat and Occurrence
Turritella exoleta is found in a variety of marine habitats, primarily in shallow to moderately deep waters. They are commonly found in soft sediment bottoms, such as sand, mud, and gravel, often in intertidal zones and subtidal zones. Their distribution extends across various marine zones, including the neritic zone (the area of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf) and occasionally the bathyal zone (the area of the ocean floor that lies beyond the continental shelf).
Taxonomy
Turritella exoleta belongs to the Class Gastropoda, which encompasses a vast array of snails, slugs, and other shelled mollusks. Within this class, it falls under the Order Caenogastropoda, a diverse group of marine and terrestrial snails. The family Turritellidae, to which Turritella exoleta belongs, is comprised of numerous species of snails with elongated, spiral shells, sharing a similar body plan and life history.
Feeding
Turritella exoleta is a deposit-feeding snail, meaning it feeds on organic matter and detritus found in the sediment. These snails use their radula, a tongue-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape up food particles from the seabed. They play an important role in their ecosystems by processing organic material and contributing to the nutrient cycle.
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