Vexillum lyratum is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Costellariidae. It is a relatively small, colorful, and intricately patterned species, making it a popular choice for shell collectors.
Description & Characteristics
Vexillum lyratum, like all members of the Costellariidae family, boasts a distinctive, elongated shell with a pointed spire. This shell is typically creamy white in color, adorned with a series of reddish-brown bands that encircle the whorls, creating a striking visual effect. The aperture, the opening of the shell, is narrow and elongated, and the outer lip is often marked with fine teeth. These shells can reach a maximum size of approximately 20 millimeters in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
Vexillum lyratum prefers a benthic lifestyle, inhabiting the sea floor in a variety of marine zones. Its distribution is primarily focused on the Indo-Pacific region, where it can be found in depths ranging from shallow coastal waters to deeper, more submerged areas. The species exhibits a preference for sandy or muddy substrates, often found in association with coral reefs or rocky outcrops.
Taxonomy
Vexillum lyratum is classified within the phylum Mollusca, specifically within the class Gastropoda, which encompasses a wide variety of snails, slugs, and other gastropod mollusks. The species belongs to the order Neogastropoda, which includes a group of predatory sea snails, and further, to the family Costellariidae, a family characterized by their distinctively patterned shells.
Feeding
Vexillum lyratum is a carnivorous predator, feeding primarily on other small invertebrates, including worms and other mollusks. Its feeding behavior involves using its radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape and tear its prey.
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