Neptunea
Neptunea is a genus of large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Buccinidae, the true whelks. These large snails are known for their distinctive, often elongated and spiraled shells, which come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are found primarily in cold, deep waters of the Northern Hemisphere, often inhabiting rocky substrates or sandy bottoms.
Common Names
Common names for Neptunea species include:
- Neptune's whelk
- Giant whelk
- Trumpet whelk
Characteristics
Neptunea species are characterized by their large, heavy shells with a pointed spire. The shells can range in size from a few inches to over a foot in length. The aperture of the shell is often wide and oval-shaped. The outer lip of the shell is usually thickened and may have a flared, trumpet-like appearance.
These snails are carnivores, feeding on a variety of marine invertebrates, including other mollusks, crustaceans, and worms. They use their strong radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in teeth, to scrape and tear their prey.
Environment
Neptunea snails are found in cold, deep waters of the Northern Hemisphere, typically at depths of 100 to 1000 meters. They prefer rocky substrates, sandy bottoms, and areas with strong currents.
These snails are often found in association with kelp forests and other marine habitats where their prey is abundant. They are also known to migrate seasonally, following the movements of their prey.
References
For further information on Neptunea, refer to the following reliable resources: