Xenophora regularis is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Xenophoridae. It is commonly known as the “carrier shell” or “saddle shell” due to its distinctive habit of attaching foreign objects to its own shell.
Description & Characteristics
Xenophora regularis is a relatively large sea snail, reaching a maximum size of about 75 mm. The shell is typically a mottled brown color, with a rounded, somewhat flattened shape. The defining characteristic of Xenophora regularis is its habit of attaching foreign objects to its own shell. These objects can include pebbles, shells, coral fragments, and even other sea snail shells. These “decorations” are attached to the shell using a sticky substance secreted by the snail.
Habitat and Occurrence
Xenophora regularis is found in a wide range of marine habitats, from shallow intertidal areas to depths of over 100 meters. The species prefers sandy or muddy bottoms and is often found in association with coral reefs. Xenophora regularis is a common inhabitant of the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa to Japan and Australia.
Taxonomy
Xenophora regularis belongs to the family Xenophoridae, a group of marine snails that are characterized by their shell-collecting behavior. Xenophoridae is part of the Order Littorinimorpha, a diverse group of snails that includes many familiar species such as periwinkles and moon snails. The Order Littorinimorpha itself is part of the Class Gastropoda, which contains all of the snails and slugs.
Feeding
Xenophora regularis is a carnivorous predator. It feeds on a variety of small marine organisms, including worms, crustaceans, and other snails. The snail uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape food from surfaces.
Image References