Clanculus is a genus of small, brightly colored sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Trochidae, the top snails. This genus has a wide distribution, occurring in the tropical Indo-Pacific region.
Common names for snails in this genus include "Clanculus top shells", "Clanculus trochus", and "Painted topshells".
Snails in the genus Clanculus are characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 5 to 20 millimeters in diameter. Their shells are conical and often have a distinctive, slightly flattened apex. The shell surface is usually smooth and glossy, and it is often ornamented with intricate patterns of colorful stripes, spots, or bands. The aperture is circular or slightly oval, and the operculum is corneous (made of horn-like material) and multispiral.
Clanculus snails are typically found in shallow, rocky intertidal and subtidal zones. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. These snails are grazers, feeding mainly on algae and diatoms.
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
Wikipedia: Trochidae
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