Raphitomidae
The Raphitomidae are a family of small to medium-sized predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Conoidea. The Raphitomidae are sometimes called the “turrid snails” or “raphidellas“.
Characteristics
The shells of Raphitomidae are typically elongated, pointed, and often have a distinctive "shouldered" appearance, with a distinct angle between the upper and lower parts of the whorls. They are usually ornamented with axial ribs or cords, and often have spiral cords or lirae. The aperture is usually narrow and elongated, with a siphonal canal at the base.
Most species are carnivores and feed on other marine invertebrates, including polychaetes, other gastropods, and even small fish. They use a radula, a ribbon of teeth, to scrape or pierce their prey.
Habitat and Distribution
Raphitomidae are found worldwide in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Shallow waters
- Deep sea
Genera
The family Raphitomidae includes a number of genera, including:
- Raphitom
- Clathurella
- Crassispira
- Drillia
- Mangelia
- Mitrella
- Pleurotoma
- Turris