Volutidae
Volutidae is a family of medium to large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Volutoidea. The common names for these snails include volutes, ship’s chanties, volute shells, and egg shells. These snails have a wide distribution in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
Characteristics
Volute shells are typically large, heavy, and ovate (egg-shaped) with a distinct spiral whorl. The shells have a smooth surface or a pattern of ridges, bumps, or knobs. They are often brightly colored and patterned with brown, orange, yellow, or white colors.
The shell's aperture, or opening, is usually long and narrow. The columella, a twisted pillar in the center of the aperture, has folds or ridges. The outer lip of the aperture is typically thickened and has a distinct notch, or sinus, just below the outer lip.
Volute snails are carnivores. They are active predators, feeding on other marine invertebrates such as worms, crustaceans, and other mollusks. They use their radula, a ribbon-like structure in their mouths, to rasp their prey.
Environments
Volute snails typically inhabit sandy bottoms, muddy bottoms, or seagrass meadows. They can be found in shallow water or in deeper waters.
Distribution
Volute snails have a worldwide distribution, but are most common in tropical and subtropical waters. They are found in the Indo-Pacific, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Classification
The family Volutidae is divided into several subfamilies, including:
- Cymbiolinae
- Amoriinae
- Volutomitrinae
- Volutellinae
- Volutocorinae
- Ericusa
There are over 200 species of volute snails, and many new species are still being discovered.
References
For further information, refer to these reliable sources: