Myurella
Myurella is a genus of small, predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Columbellidae, the dove snails. They are distinguished by their narrow, elongated shells with a pronounced siphonal canal and a distinctive, often colorful, pattern of brown and white. They inhabit the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal habitats, generally preferring rocky substrates.
Common Names
Myurella species are often referred to as "Myurella dove snails" or simply "dove snails." Due to their diverse appearances, they may also be referred to by more descriptive common names specific to a particular species. For instance, Myurella fenestrata is known as the "windowed dove snail" due to its translucent shell.
Characteristics
Myurella snails are generally small, with shell lengths ranging from a few millimeters to about 2 centimeters. The shells are typically elongated and spindle-shaped, with a pointed apex and a long siphonal canal. The outer lip of the aperture is often thickened and toothed. These snails are carnivorous and feed primarily on other small marine invertebrates, including other gastropods, polychaetes, and crustaceans.
Environments
Myurella species are found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats. They are often found in rocky areas, tide pools, and kelp forests. Their distribution is generally limited to coastal regions, with most species found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.
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