Alia
Alia is a genus of small, marine snails, which are marine gastropod mollusks in the family Eulimidae. These snails are ectoparasites of echinoderms, primarily sea stars and sea urchins. They have a distinctive elongated, pointed shell and a long, slender proboscis that they use to feed on the blood and tissues of their hosts.
Common Names
Alia snails are commonly referred to as "echinoderm parasites" or "sea star parasites."
Characteristics
Alia species possess the following characteristics:
- Small size, typically less than 1 cm in length
- Elongated, pointed shell with a smooth or slightly ribbed surface
- Long, slender proboscis used for feeding
- Lack of a radula, the rasping tongue found in most gastropods
- Parasitic lifestyle, feeding on the blood and tissues of echinoderms
Environment
Alia snails are found in various marine environments worldwide, typically in shallow waters and on the seabed. They are often associated with their echinoderm hosts, residing on their bodies or within their tissues.
References
For further information on Alia, please refer to the following sources: