Ranularia
Ranularia is a genus of large, predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the family Ranellidae, the triton snails. Species in this genus are known commonly as triton’s trumpets due to their distinctively large, trumpet-shaped shells. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, with the greatest diversity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Characteristics
Ranularia snails are characterized by their large, heavy shells with a distinct, flared lip. The aperture, or opening, of the shell is wide and oval-shaped. The shell surface can be smooth, sculpted with ridges, or covered with spines. The color of the shell varies depending on the species and can range from white to brown to black. The animal itself is a soft-bodied gastropod with a large, fleshy foot and a siphon that it uses to draw water over its gills.
Environments
Ranularia snails are typically found in shallow, coastal waters on rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds. They are carnivorous and feed on other molluscs, particularly other snails. They use their strong radula, a toothed ribbon, to rasp away at the shells of their prey. Ranularia snails are also known to prey on sea urchins, starfish, and other invertebrates.
Species
There are numerous species of Ranularia, including:
- Ranularia cynocephalus
- Ranularia erythrostomoides
- Ranularia granifera
- Ranularia guttata
- Ranularia lischkei
- Ranularia oleacea
- Ranularia reticulata
- Ranularia tuberculata
References
For more information, please refer to the following references:
- Bouchet, P. & Rocroi, J.-P. (2005). "Classification and Nomenclator of Gastropod Families". Malacologia. 47 (1-2): 1–397.
- W.F. Ponder & A. Warén (1988). "Revision of the genus Ranella (Gastropoda: Cymatiidae)". The Nautilus 102(3): 78–102.
- Wikipedia. Triton's Trumpet. Accessed 2023-11-21.
- World Register of Marine Species. Ranularia. Accessed 2023-11-21.