Agnezia
Agnezia is a genus of marine gastropods in the family Cancellariidae, commonly known as nutmeg snails. This genus is characterized by its small to medium size, typically ranging from 5 to 20 mm in length. They possess a distinctive shell shape with a pointed spire and a wide, expanded aperture. The surface of the shell is often ornamented with delicate, raised spiral cords and axial ribs, creating a cancellate pattern. The operculum is thin and horny.
Common Names
The common name for Agnezia species is "nutmeg snail," referring to the shape and texture of their shells, which resemble nutmeg seeds. However, they are also sometimes called "canceolariid snails" or "nutmeg cancellaarias."
Characteristics
Agnezia species are characterized by the following features:
- Small to medium size (5-20 mm in length)
- Pointed spire
- Wide, expanded aperture
- Cancellate shell surface (with raised spiral cords and axial ribs)
- Thin, horny operculum
Environments
Agnezia species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Shallow waters (intertidal to subtidal zones)
- Rocky reefs
- Sandy bottoms
- Seagrass meadows
Distribution
Agnezia species are distributed throughout the world's oceans, with a particular concentration in the Indo-Pacific region.
References
For more information on Agnezia, you can refer to the following resources: