Ocenebra
Ocenebra is a genus of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails. The genus is widespread, occurring in many parts of the world, including the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.
Common Names
Common names for species in the genus Ocenebra include:
- Dogwhelk
- Oyster drill
- Rock shell
Characteristics
Ocenebra snails are typically small to medium-sized, with a distinctive, elongated, and often spiny shell. The shell aperture is usually oval or pear-shaped, and the outer lip is often thickened and toothed. These snails are carnivorous predators, feeding primarily on other molluscs, particularly oysters and mussels.
Environments
Ocenebra snails inhabit a variety of marine environments, including rocky shores, intertidal zones, and shallow subtidal waters. They are often found in areas with a high density of their prey, such as oyster beds or mussel reefs.
References