Cominella
Cominella is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Buccinidae, the true whelks. These snails are commonly called “Cominella whelks” or “Cominella snails.” They are known for their distinctive, elongated, conical shells, often with spiral ridges and a prominent siphonal canal.
Characteristics
Cominella species typically have shells that are oval to fusiform in shape, with a pointed apex and a wide aperture. The shell surface can be smooth or ornamented with spiral cords, ribs, or other sculpted patterns. The outer lip of the aperture is usually thickened and often has a denticulate edge. They exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, including brown, gray, yellow, and white. Some species may have spots, bands, or blotches.
Environments
Cominella snails are found in a variety of marine habitats, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and estuaries. They are generally found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, where they feed on small invertebrates and algae. Some species are known to be more tolerant of freshwater conditions than others.
Distribution
Cominella species are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia. They are common inhabitants of coastal waters and have been documented in a variety of habitats including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and estuaries.