Thyca
Thyca is a genus of small, predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Eulimidae. These snails are notable for their unusual parasitic lifestyle, relying on other marine invertebrates, particularly sea stars, for sustenance.
Common Names
Members of the genus Thyca are commonly referred to as "sea star snails" or "starfish snails" due to their parasitic relationship with sea stars.
Characteristics
Thyca snails are typically small, with shell sizes ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter. Their shells are often white or cream-colored, and they may exhibit patterns or markings. These snails possess a long, extensible proboscis, which they use to feed on the fluids of their host sea stars.
Environment
Thyca snails are found in various marine environments, including intertidal zones, shallow coastal waters, and deeper ocean depths. They are typically associated with their host sea stars, which they often live on or within.
Parasitic Lifestyle
The parasitic relationship between Thyca snails and sea stars is a fascinating example of co-evolution. The snails, having no means of independent feeding, rely entirely on their host for nourishment. They achieve this by attaching themselves to the sea star's body, often near the mouth or in the ambulacral grooves, and utilizing their proboscis to extract fluids and nutrients.
References
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