Noumeaella
Noumeaella is a genus of marine gastropods in the family Cancellariidae. It was first described by the French malacologist, Paul Fischer, in 1883. The genus is currently classified within the subfamily Admeteinae. These sea snails are found in the Indo-Pacific region, with a specific concentration around New Caledonia, as their name suggests.
Common Names
There are no widely recognized common names for species within the genus Noumeaella. However, they are often referred to simply as "Cancellariid snails" due to their belonging to the Cancellariidae family.
Characteristics
Noumeaella snails are characterized by their relatively small size, typically reaching lengths of 5-10 millimeters. Their shells are usually white to cream-colored, and they often have a distinctive, cancellate (lattice-like) sculpture on their surface. This sculpture is formed by intersecting, raised, longitudinal, and transverse ridges that create a network of small squares or rectangles.
The shells of Noumeaella species are typically ovular or ovoid in shape, with a slightly pointed spire. The aperture (opening) of the shell is relatively narrow and elongated, with a distinct siphonal canal at the base. The operculum (a hard, horny plate covering the opening of the shell when the animal is retracted) is usually present and often has a distinctive shape.
Environments
Noumeaella snails are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Subtidal areas
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass meadows
- Sandy bottoms
They are often found in association with other invertebrates, such as sponges, bryozoans, and ascidians.