Naticarius
Naticarius is a genus of medium-sized to large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Naticidae, the moon snails. These snails are found in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide. They are known for their distinctive, smooth, glossy shells, which are often collected by shell enthusiasts.
Common names
Naticarius snails are commonly known as "moon snails" or "sand collars".
Characteristics
Naticarius snails typically have a globose, depressed, or flattened shell with a smooth, glossy surface. The shell aperture is usually large and oval-shaped, and the outer lip is often thickened. The operculum, a tough, horny plate that covers the opening of the shell, is usually present.
These snails are carnivorous and feed on other mollusks, including clams, oysters, and other snails. They use their radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in teeth, to drill holes into the shells of their prey. Once a hole is created, the Naticarius snail inserts its proboscis, a long, flexible snout, and consumes the soft tissues inside.
Environments
Naticarius snails are found in a variety of marine environments, including sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. They are typically found in shallow water, but some species may live in deeper waters.