Cerithiopsis
Cerithiopsis is a genus of small, marine gastropod molluscs in the family Cerithiidae. They are commonly known as “ceriths” or “cerith snails” and are distinguished by their elongated, conical shells with numerous whorls and fine, often spiral, ridges or ribs. These shells are typically small, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in length, and can be a variety of colors, including white, brown, gray, and yellow.
Common Names
Cerithiopsis snails are commonly referred to as "ceriths" or "cerith snails".
Characteristics
Members of the genus Cerithiopsis are characterized by their:
- Small, elongated, conical shells
- Numerous whorls, often with fine, spiral ridges or ribs
- Aperture (opening of the shell) usually rounded or oval
- Small, often inconspicuous siphonal canal (a tube at the base of the shell)
Environments
Cerithiopsis snails are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Shallow subtidal areas
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass beds
- Muddy bottoms
References
For further information on Cerithiopsis, please refer to these reliable sources: