Nassarius
Nassarius is a genus of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Nassariidae, the nassa mud snails. Nassarius is a diverse genus with over 100 species described, and new species are still being discovered. These snails are commonly known as nassa mud snails or dog whelks, and are found in a variety of marine environments worldwide.
Characteristics
Nassarius snails are characterized by their distinctive conical shells, which typically range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. The shells are usually solid and heavy, with a rough, granular surface. The aperture (opening) of the shell is typically oval-shaped and often has a prominent siphonal canal, a tube-like extension that is used for breathing and smelling.
The color of Nassarius shells varies depending on the species, but they are often shades of brown, gray, or white. Some species may also have patterns or markings on their shells. Nassarius snails have a long, fleshy foot that they use for crawling. They also have a pair of tentacles with eyes at the tips.
Environment
Nassarius snails are typically found in intertidal and subtidal zones, living in soft sediments such as sand, mud, or gravel. They are often found in areas with high organic content, such as near estuaries, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Some species are also found in deeper water.
Diet
Nassarius snails are carnivores and scavengers. They feed on a variety of marine organisms, including worms, crustaceans, and other mollusks. They use their radula, a ribbon-like structure with teeth, to scrape food off surfaces and into their mouths.
Reproduction
Nassarius snails are dioecious, meaning that they have separate sexes. The females lay their eggs in capsules, which are often attached to rocks, seaweeds, or other objects. The eggs hatch into larvae, which are free-swimming and eventually settle to the bottom to develop into adults.
References
* Nassarius at World Register of Marine Species * The genus Nassarius (Gastropoda: Nassariidae) in the southeastern Pacific at NCBI