Calliostoma
Calliostoma is a genus of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Calliostomatidae. These snails are typically brightly colored and have distinctive, conical shells. They are found in a wide range of marine environments, from shallow intertidal zones to deep-sea habitats.
Common Names
Common names for Calliostoma snails include top snails, turban snails, and moon snails. However, these names can also refer to other gastropod genera, so it is important to use the scientific name Calliostoma for accuracy.
Characteristics
Calliostoma snails have the following characteristics:
- Shell: Conical, with a rounded apex and a wide, flat base. The shell surface is often ornamented with spiral cords, ridges, or nodules.
- Color: Typically brightly colored, with shades of red, orange, yellow, brown, and white. Some species have intricate patterns.
- Size: Generally small to medium-sized, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in diameter.
- Operculum: A calcareous or horny lid that closes the aperture when the snail retracts into its shell.
Environment
Calliostoma snails are found in a variety of marine habitats, including:
- Intertidal zones: They can be found among rocks, algae, and seaweeds in the intertidal zone.
- Subtidal zones: Some species live in deeper waters, down to several hundred meters.
- Coral reefs: Calliostoma snails are common inhabitants of coral reefs, where they graze on algae and other invertebrates.
References
For more information about Calliostoma snails, refer to the following websites: