Cymatiidae

The Cymatiidae, commonly known as the tritons, are a family of large, predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Tonnoidea. The shell is typically large, thick, and often has a pronounced siphonal canal. They are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters.

Turritriton tenuiliratus

Septa closeli

Ranularia caudata

Ranularia cynocephala

Long-neck Triton, Orange-mouthed Triton – Ranularia gutturnia

Pear Triton – Ranularia pyrum

Monoplex vestitus

Monoplex intermedius

Monoplex corrugatus

Monoplex aquatilis

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Characteristics

Tritons are characterized by their large, heavy shells, often with intricate patterns and colors. The shell is typically ovate or fusiform in shape, with a distinct siphonal canal that extends beyond the aperture. The aperture is wide and usually has a thickened outer lip. They are carnivorous, feeding on other marine organisms, including other snails, crustaceans, and worms.

The shell of a triton is divided into three main parts: the whorls, the spire, and the siphonal canal. The whorls are the spirally arranged sections of the shell, which increase in size as they move away from the spire. The spire is the pointed apex of the shell, formed by the earliest whorls. The siphonal canal is a long, narrow channel at the base of the shell, which allows the animal to siphon water for respiration and feeding.

Environments

Tritons are found in a variety of marine habitats, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and sandy bottoms. They typically live in shallow waters, but some species have been found at depths of up to 1,000 meters. They are often found in areas with abundant food sources, such as coral reefs.

Common Names

Tritons are commonly referred to as "triton's trumpet" due to the shape of their shell, which resembles a trumpet. They are also known as "triton's shell" or simply "triton".

References

For more information, refer to the following online resources: