Aliger
Aliger is a genus of marine gastropods in the family Naticidae, commonly known as moon snails. The genus is distinguished by its distinctive shell morphology, including a large, smooth, and often glossy aperture. They are carnivorous predators that feed on other mollusks, primarily bivalves, and are found in a variety of marine environments worldwide.
Common Names
Members of the genus Aliger are commonly referred to as "moon snails" or "sand collars." These names are often used for other Naticidae species as well.
Characteristics
Aliger species exhibit several characteristic features, including:
- Shell: Large, globose, and usually smooth with a distinctive, wide, and glossy aperture. The shell is typically white or cream-colored, but some species can display patterns or coloration.
- Operculum: A horny, multispiral, and usually large operculum that covers the aperture when the snail retracts.
- Foot: Large and muscular, used for locomotion and burrowing.
- Radula: A ribbon-like structure covered in rows of teeth used for rasping and breaking down prey.
Environments
Aliger species are found in a range of marine environments, typically in coastal waters, including:
- Sandy beaches: They burrow into the sand to hunt for prey.
- Seagrass beds: They can be found among seagrasses, where they prey on bivalves living in the sediment.
- Intertidal zones: They are often found in intertidal zones, exposed during low tide.
References
For further information about Aliger, you can consult the following resources: