Epitonium
Epitonium is a genus of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Epitoniidae, the wentletraps. The shells of these snails are commonly known as wentletraps, staircase shells, wentle-traps, and spiral shells. Members of this genus are found worldwide in both warm and cold waters, from the intertidal zone to depths of over 2,000 meters.
Characteristics
Epitonium snails are characterized by their distinctive, slender, and elongated shells that are typically white or cream-colored, often with spiral rows of prominent ribs or nodules. These shells are usually thin and fragile, with a pointed apex and a wide, open aperture. The shell has a characteristic "staircase" appearance due to the prominent, well-defined spiral ribs that extend the entire length of the shell. The operculum is thin and chitinous, and the foot is small and retractile.
Habitat and Ecology
Epitonium snails are typically found on rocky shores, coral reefs, and other hard substrates. They are carnivorous and feed primarily on hydroids, which are colonial animals that resemble tiny, branching polyps. They use their radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape the tissues of their prey.
Distribution
Epitonium species are found in all the world's oceans, with a wide distribution that extends from the intertidal zone to depths of over 2,000 meters. They are particularly abundant in tropical and subtropical waters, where they are often associated with coral reefs.