Angariidae
Angariidae is a family of medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Trochoidea. These snails are commonly known as angarias or angarid snails. Angariidae is a relatively small family with just a few species, but they are found in diverse habitats around the world.
Characteristics
Angarid snails have a distinctive conical shell that is often ornamented with spiral cords, ridges, or spines. The aperture of the shell is usually circular or oval, and the operculum is corneous, meaning it is made of a tough, horny material. Angariidae are carnivores, and their feeding apparatus includes a radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth used to scrape food off surfaces.
Habitat and Distribution
Angariidae are found in a variety of marine environments, including rocky shores, coral reefs, and sand flats. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, from the Indo-Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Some species, such as Angaria delphinus, have a wide distribution, while others are more localized.
Ecology
As carnivores, angarid snails play an important role in the marine ecosystem by controlling populations of other invertebrates. They are also prey for larger animals, such as fish and crabs. The shells of some angariidae species are often found in beach debris, providing evidence of their presence in the local ecosystem.