Turritella ungulina is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Turritellidae. It is a common and widely distributed species, found in many parts of the world.
Description & Characteristics
Turritella ungulina is a relatively large sea snail, typically reaching a maximum size of about 70 mm in length. The shell of this species is elongated and slender, with a pointed apex and a series of whorls that spiral upwards. The shell surface is usually smooth and glossy, and it can range in color from white to yellowish-brown, often with darker bands or spots.
Habitat and Occurrence
Turritella ungulina is a benthic species, meaning it lives on or near the seafloor. It is typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters, inhabiting a wide range of marine environments. The species can tolerate a variety of substrates, including sand, mud, and gravel. Turritella ungulina is often found in intertidal zones and subtidal zones, including the neritic zone. These zones are characterized by their proximity to the coastline and their exposure to a range of environmental conditions, including varying levels of sunlight, salinity, and water temperature.
Taxonomy
Turritella ungulina belongs to the family Turritellidae, a diverse group of sea snails that are characterized by their distinctive, elongated, and spiraled shells. This family is part of the larger Order Caenogastropoda, which comprises a wide range of marine snails, including many that have shells that are coiled or spiraled. The Order Caenogastropoda belongs to the Class Gastropoda, which is a vast and diverse group that includes snails, slugs, and nudibranchs.
Feeding
Turritella ungulina is a deposit feeder, meaning it obtains its food from the sediments on the seafloor. It uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure located in its mouth, to scrape and filter food particles from the sediment. Turritella ungulina is a herbivore, primarily feeding on diatoms and other algae, which are microscopic plants found in the marine environment.
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