Arula
Arula is a genus of marine snails belonging to the family Muricidae, commonly known as murex snails or rock snails. These gastropods are predatory carnivores, feeding mainly on other mollusks. They are found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region.
Common Names
The genus Arula does not have widely recognized common names.
Characteristics
Arula species are characterized by their relatively small size, typically ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length. Their shells are usually thin and fragile, with a conical shape and a pointed apex. The surface of the shell is often covered with spines, ribs, or other ornamentation. The aperture of the shell is generally oval-shaped and can be quite narrow. Arula snails have a radula, a ribbon-like structure in their mouth, which they use to scrape and tear food.
Environments
Arula species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Rocky shores
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass beds
- Sand bottoms
References
WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species
NCBI Taxonomy Browser