Turritella nodulosa is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Turritellidae. It is commonly known as the “nodulose turritella” and is a relatively common and easily identifiable species due to its distinctive shell structure.
Description & Characteristics
Turritella nodulosa possesses a tall, slender, conical shell that can reach a maximum size of approximately 50 millimeters in length. The shell is typically a light brown or yellowish color, with numerous fine spiral ridges and rows of prominent, rounded nodules, giving the shell its characteristic “nodulose” appearance. These nodules are more pronounced in the lower whorls of the shell. The aperture, or opening, of the shell is relatively small and oval-shaped.
Habitat and Occurrence
Turritella nodulosa is a common inhabitant of shallow marine environments, particularly in the intertidal zone and subtidal zone. They are often found on sandy bottoms, muddy bottoms, and in seagrass beds. Their distribution is primarily limited to the temperate and subtropical regions of the western Atlantic Ocean, stretching from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico. The typically inhabits , making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Turritella nodulosa is classified within the Class Gastropoda, which encompasses a vast array of snails and slugs. It further belongs to the Order Caenogastropoda, a diverse order characterized by their torsion, a twisting of the visceral mass during development. Within this order, Turritella nodulosa is assigned to the Family Turritellidae, a family of marine snails known for their elongated, tower-like shells.
Feeding
Turritella nodulosa is a deposit feeder, meaning it obtains its nourishment by consuming organic matter found in sediments. They use their radula, a tongue-like structure equipped with rows of tiny teeth, to scrape and collect food particles from the seabed. Their diet likely consists of detritus, algae, and other small organisms present in their benthic habitat.
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