Turritellinella
Turritellinella is a genus of small, gastropod mollusks belonging to the family Turritellidae. They are marine snails with a distinctive, elongated, tower-like shell characterized by numerous whorls. These snails are commonly referred to as “turban snails” or “spiral snails.”
Characteristics
Turritellinella species possess several key characteristics:
- Shell: Turban snails have a slender, elongated, and spiral shell with a pointed apex. The shell surface can be smooth, ribbed, or ornamented with various patterns.
- Size: Most species are relatively small, typically reaching lengths of 1-3 centimeters. However, some species can grow larger.
- Color: Turritellinella shells exhibit a range of colors, including white, brown, gray, and yellow. Some species may have distinct banding patterns.
- Habitat: These snails are primarily found in marine environments, often inhabiting sandy or muddy bottoms. They are typically found in shallow waters, although some species can live at greater depths.
Environments
Turritellinella snails thrive in various marine environments, including:
- Estuaries: These snails are frequently found in estuarine environments where fresh and saltwater mix.
- Continental shelves: Turban snails are commonly encountered on the continental shelves, where they inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms.
- Deep-sea environments: Some species of Turritellinella are known to occur in deeper marine environments, including the abyssal zone.
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
Journal of Paleontology
ResearchGate