Glossidae

Glossidae is a family of medium-sized to large, carnivorous sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the superfamily Muricoidea.

Common Names

Common names for snails in this family include the "mud snails" and "false murex".

Characteristics

Glossidae snails have a distinctive, glossy, smooth, and often brightly colored shell. They typically have a long, slender spire with a pointed apex, and a short, wide aperture. The outer lip of the aperture is often thickened and toothed. The operculum is thin and horny, and the foot is large and muscular.

Glossidae snails are carnivores and feed primarily on other molluscs, worms, and crustaceans. They use their radula, a toothed ribbon-like structure, to scrape food from their prey.

Environment

Glossidae snails are found in a variety of marine environments, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and mudflats. They are typically found in shallow water, but some species can live in deeper water.

References