Antalis

Antalis is a genus of scaphopod mollusks, commonly known as tusk shells or tooth shells. These marine invertebrates are characterized by their elongated, conical shells that are open at both ends. They are typically found in soft sediment environments, burrowing into the substrate with their narrow end pointed downwards. Antalis species are filter feeders, using their elongated tentacles to trap food particles from the surrounding water. They play an important role in marine ecosystems, contributing to the nutrient cycling and sediment turnover processes.

Common Names

Tusk shells, tooth shells, and bent-tooth shells are some of the common names used for Antalis species.

Characteristics

Antalis species have the following distinguishing characteristics:

  • Elongated, conical shell: The shell is open at both ends, with the narrower end pointed downwards.
  • Burrowing habit: They burrow into soft sediment using their pointed end.
  • Filter feeding: They use tentacles to capture food particles from the water.
  • Lack of a head: They do not have a distinct head, instead having a mouth located at the anterior end of the body.
  • Dioecious: They have separate sexes.

Environments

Antalis species inhabit a wide range of marine environments, including:

  • Intertidal zones: They can be found in the area between high and low tide marks.
  • Subtidal zones: They can also occur in deeper waters beyond the reach of the tides.
  • Soft sediments: They prefer sandy, muddy, or gravelly bottoms.

References

For further information on Antalis species, you can refer to the following reliable references: