Casmaria
Casmaria is a genus of medium-sized to large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Cassidae, the helmet shells. The genus was previously known as Semicassis. There are numerous species in this genus and the geographical distribution varies, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. These gastropods are often found in shallow water environments.
Common Names
Common names for species in this genus include "helmet shell," "helmet snail," and "cassid snail."
Characteristics
Casmaria species have a thick, heavy shell that is usually oval or pear-shaped. The shell is often ornamented with knobs, ridges, or spines. The aperture is wide and the outer lip is thickened and often toothed. The operculum is horny and oval.
The shell is typically a rich brown, but can be found in other colors like tan, grey, or cream. The exterior of the shell is often adorned with distinctive patterns and markings, which can include stripes, spots, or blotches.
Environments
These sea snails are typically found in a variety of marine habitats, including sandy bottoms, rocky reefs, and seagrass beds. They are often found in shallow water environments, but some species can be found in deeper water.
Diet
Casmaria species are carnivorous. Their diet consists primarily of other marine invertebrates, including sea urchins, starfish, and other snails. They use their strong radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape and tear their food.
Reproduction
Casmaria species reproduce sexually. The females lay eggs in capsules, which are typically attached to rocks or other hard surfaces. The capsules contain many eggs, and the larvae that hatch are free-swimming.
References
* [1] [https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=151009](https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=151009)* [2] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casmaria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casmaria)* [3] [https://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Casmaria](https://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Casmaria)