Cadulus
Cadulus is a genus of tusk shells, a group of small marine mollusks belonging to the family Cadulidae. These small, fragile animals are characterized by their elongated, tubular shells that resemble tiny tusks. They are widely distributed across the world’s oceans, typically inhabiting soft sediment substrates like mud, sand, and gravel.
Common Names
Common names for Cadulus species include tusk shells, tooth shells, and pencil shells. These names refer to the distinctive shape of their shells.
Characteristics
Cadulus species exhibit several key characteristics:
- Shell: The shell is elongated, tubular, and slightly curved, resembling a miniature tusk or tooth. It is typically smooth and lacks any prominent ornamentation. The shell is composed of calcium carbonate and is often translucent or white.
- Size: Cadulus species are generally small, ranging in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter or two in length.
- Head: The head is small and retractable, with a mouth surrounded by tentacles called captacula. These tentacles help the animal capture food.
- Foot: Cadulus possesses a muscular foot, which it uses for burrowing in the sediment.
- Mantle: The mantle is a thin, fleshy layer that encloses the body and secretes the shell.
- Gills: Respiration occurs through specialized gills located in the mantle cavity.
Environment
Cadulus species are primarily found in marine environments, typically inhabiting soft sediment substrates like mud, sand, and gravel. They are often found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to the abyssal plains. They are generally considered to be deposit feeders, consuming small organisms and organic matter found in the sediment.
References
For more information on Cadulus, please refer to the following reliable references: