Acteocina
Acteocina is a genus of small, predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Acteocinidae. These snails are classified within the superfamily Conoidea, which also includes the cone snails. Acteocina snails are commonly known as “bubble snails” or “dwarf cone snails” due to their small size and resemblance to cone snails.
Characteristics
Acteocina snails are characterized by their small, thin, and fragile shells. They are typically less than 10 millimeters long and have a smooth, glossy, white or translucent shell. They are typically fusiform (spindle-shaped) with a pointed apex and a slightly expanded aperture. The siphonal canal is short and wide, and the operculum is absent.
Acteocina snails have a long, slender proboscis with a radula, a rasping tongue used for scraping food. Unlike their larger cone snail relatives, Acteocina snails are not venomous. Their diet consists primarily of other small marine invertebrates such as worms and other snails.
Environment
Acteocina snails are found in various marine environments worldwide, typically in shallow water, often associated with soft sediments like sand or mud. Some species may also be found in rocky areas or seagrass beds. These snails are relatively common and can be found in a variety of habitats, including coastal waters and deeper ocean depths.
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