Caecum

The Caecum is a genus of small, marine snails that belong to the family Caecidae. These snails are characterized by their elongated, tube-shaped shells that are typically white or cream-colored. They are often found in shallow waters, attached to seaweed, rocks, or other substrates. Caecum snails play an important role in marine ecosystems by contributing to the food chain and acting as a food source for other organisms.

Caecum tornatum

Caecum plicatum

Common Names

Caecum snails are commonly referred to as "worm shells" due to their elongated, worm-like appearance. Some species are also known as "blind snails" due to their lack of eyes.

Characteristics

Caecum snails are distinguished by their unique shell morphology. Their shells are typically:

  • Elongated and tubular: Resembling a worm or a small tube.
  • Smooth and polished: The shell surface is usually smooth and shiny.
  • White or cream-colored: Most species are white or cream-colored, but some may have faint markings or stripes.
  • Small in size: Caecum snails are typically less than 1 centimeter in length.

Environments

Caecum snails are found in various marine environments worldwide, including:

  • Shallow waters: They are often found in shallow waters, typically in intertidal zones or the subtidal zone.
  • Seaweed beds: Caecum snails are commonly found attached to seaweed, where they feed on algae and other detritus.
  • Rocky shores: They can also be found attached to rocks, shells, or other hard substrates.

References

For further information on the Caecum genus, consult the following reliable sources: