Rapana
Rapana is a genus of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails. The genus has a wide distribution in the Indo-Pacific, with some species having been introduced to other parts of the world, most notably the Black Sea.
Common Names
Common names for species in this genus include the following:
- Rapa whelk
- Japanese oyster drill
- Oyster borer
- Rapana whelk
Characteristics
Rapana snails are typically large, with shells that can reach up to 20 cm in length. They have a heavy, thick shell with a distinct whorled pattern and a long, sharp siphonal canal. The aperture of the shell is usually oval-shaped and has a distinctive lip. The shell is typically brown or gray in color, but it can vary depending on the species and its environment.
The snails have a muscular foot that they use to crawl along the seabed. They also have a long, extendable proboscis that they use to drill into the shells of their prey. Rapana snails are carnivorous and feed primarily on bivalves, such as oysters and mussels. They can also feed on other marine organisms, including barnacles and worms.
Environment
Rapana snails are found in a variety of marine habitats, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and mudflats. They are most commonly found in shallow waters, but some species can live in depths of up to 50 meters. Rapana snails are tolerant of a wide range of salinity and temperature conditions.
References
For more information on Rapana, you can refer to the following websites: