Pellasimnia
Pellasimnia is a genus of small, predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Costellariidae. They are commonly known as “dwarf cowries” because of their resemblance to true cowries in the family Cypraeidae, although they are not closely related.
Common Names
Members of the genus Pellasimnia are commonly known as dwarf cowries, due to their resemblance to true cowries.
Characteristics
Pellasimnia snails are characterized by their small size, typically ranging from 3 to 10 millimeters in length. Their shells are smooth and glossy, with a distinctive, rounded shape that resembles a miniature cowrie. The aperture is narrow and elongated, and the outer lip is often thickened. The shell is typically white or cream-colored, with brown or black markings.
Environments
Pellasimnia snails are found in shallow marine environments, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. They are often associated with coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small invertebrates, including other snails, worms, and crustaceans.