Characteristics
Terebridae are characterized by their elongated, pointed shells, often with fine spiral ridges or grooves. The aperture (opening) of the shell is narrow and usually has a distinct siphonal canal at the base. Their shells can range in size from a few millimeters to over 10 centimeters in length.
Terebridae are carnivores, feeding primarily on worms and other invertebrates. They use a venomous harpoon-like structure called a radula to paralyze their prey. This radula is similar in structure to the radula of cone snails, their close relatives.
Environments
Terebridae are found in a wide range of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Subtidal zones
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass beds
- Deep-sea habitats
Classification
Terebridae are classified within the following taxonomic hierarchy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Order: Neogastropoda
- Superfamily: Conoidea
- Family: Terebridae
References
Further information about Terebridae can be found on the following websites:
