Common Names
Scleralcyonacea is not commonly referred to by a specific common name. The snails within this subclass are generally known by their individual species names, such as whelks, conchs, triton's trumpets, and murex.
Characteristics
Scleralcyonacean snails have a number of distinct characteristics, including:
- A sclerotized operculum, which is a hard, protective plate that covers the opening of the shell when the snail retracts into its shell.
- A radula, a ribbon-like structure in the mouth containing rows of chitinous teeth, used for scraping food.
- A siphon, a tube-like structure that draws in water for respiration and feeding.
- A protrusible proboscis, a long, fleshy snout used to reach and capture prey.
Environments
Scleralcyonacean snails are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones: These snails are often found on rocky shores and tide pools, where they can tolerate periods of exposure to air.
- Subtidal zones: Scleralcyonacean snails are also found in deeper waters, where they can be found on seafloors and coral reefs.
References
Scleralcyonacea - ResearchGate.
Phylogenetic relationships of the Scleralcyonacea (Mollusca: Gastropoda) based on morphological data - JSTOR.
