Common Names
Common names for Cephalaspidea include:
- Bubble shells
- Head-shield snails
- Acteonidae
- Ringiculidae
Characteristics
Cephalaspidea exhibit several unique characteristics:
- Shell: Usually thin and translucent, with a simple, conical shape.
- Head: Large and prominent, often with a distinctive "shield" or "hood" that can be retracted into the shell for protection.
- Foot: Wide and flattened, used for crawling on the seabed.
- Radula: A rasping tongue with rows of teeth, used for scraping algae and other food.
- Predatory Behavior: Most Cephalaspidea are active predators that feed on small invertebrates such as worms, crustaceans, and other mollusks.
Environments
Cephalaspidea are found in a wide range of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones: Some species are adapted to life in the intertidal zone, where they are exposed to air and changing salinity.
- Subtidal zones: Many Cephalaspidea are found in shallow subtidal waters, on sandy or muddy bottoms.
- Deep sea: Some species are found in deep-sea environments, where they are adapted to the extreme pressures and darkness.
References
For further information about Cephalaspidea, you can refer to the following websites:
