Ancillariidae

Characteristics

Ancillariidae snails typically have smooth, glossy, egg-shaped shells, often with a pronounced lip and a small aperture. These shells are usually white, cream, or light brown with colorful markings or patterns. They range in size from about 5 to 50 mm in length. Unlike many other Conoidea, Ancillariidae snails are characterized by their lack of an operculum, a hard, protective plate that covers the opening of the shell when the animal retracts inside.

Environments

Ancillariidae snails are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, living in a variety of marine environments including:

• Shallow water
• Coral reefs
• Seagrass beds
• Sandy bottoms
• Muddy bottoms

They are often found buried in sediment or under rocks, using their siphon to draw in prey.

Diet and Behavior

Ancillariidae snails are carnivorous and predatory. They primarily feed on other mollusks, including bivalves, gastropods, and other Ancillariidae. These snails use their radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to rasp through the shells of their prey and inject a paralyzing venom. Their diet and behavior make them an important part of the marine ecosystem, helping to regulate prey populations.

References

For further information, please refer to the following sources:

• World Register of Marine Species
• A Revision of the Ancillariidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda)
• ResearchGate: Ancillariidae