Trochida

Characteristics

Trochids typically have spiral shells that are conical in shape and possess a well-developed umbilicus, which is a central opening at the base of the shell. The surface of the shell can be smooth, ridged, or even spiny. They exhibit a wide range of color patterns, often displaying vibrant hues of green, brown, red, and orange.

The foot of a trochid is large and muscular, enabling them to crawl on rocks and algae. They also possess a pair of retractable tentacles with eyes at the tips. Trochids are herbivores, using a radula, a rasping tongue, to scrape algae from surfaces.

Environment

Trochidae inhabit a diverse range of marine environments, from rocky shores to coral reefs. They are found in both intertidal and subtidal zones, and some species are known to live in deep ocean waters. Trochids prefer areas with abundant algae and a stable substrate for attachment.

Distribution

Trochids are found in all oceans, from the tropics to the poles. They are particularly abundant in the Indo-Pacific region, where they are often a dominant component of rocky shore communities. Some species have a worldwide distribution, while others are limited to specific geographic areas.

Subfamilies

The family Trochidae is divided into several subfamilies, including:

• Stomatellinae
• Tethystrombinae
• Gibbulininae
• Trochinae
• Clanculinae
• Calliostomatinae

References

WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species
Animal Diversity Web
Wikipedia