Malacology
Malacology is the study of mollusks. This includes animals like octopus, snails, slugs, and clams. It is the second largest phylum of animals, making them one of the most successful groups on the planet. There are over 80,000 described species of mollusks with many more left to be discovered. Mullusca is composed of 8 recognized classes including Cephalopoda, Gastropoda, Polyplacophora, Scaphapoda, Monoplacophorans, the Aplacophorans, Caudofoveata and Solenogastres, and Bivalvia.
Atlantic Yellow Cowrie
(Gmelin, 1791)
Naria acicularis
Class:
Gastropoda
Order:
Littorinimorpha
Family:
Cypraeidae
Image Voucher:
ANSP 363350
Shell Information
Length (mm): 25
Dextral
Chirality:
This is an inflated shell with the last shell whorl of adults concealing the spire. The top of the shell is typically yellow to tan with white spots or white or dark spots. Adults seem to develop a strong lip that is white and slightly wider than the rest of the shell. The aperture is narrow with evenly spaced folds leading into the shell.
Description:
Ecological Information
Distribution:
Depth (m):
North Carolina to Brazil
0 to 780 meters
Diet:
Herbivore
Habitat:
Marine; Coral reefs and other hard substrates
Misc. Facts
Citations
MolluscaBase eds. (2021). MolluscaBase. Naria acicularis (Gmelin, 1791). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=1075023 on 2021-06-23
Rosenberg, G., F. Moretzsohn, and E. F. Garc�a. 29. Gastropoda (Mollusca) of the Gulf of Mexico, Pp. 579�699 in Felder, D.L. and D.K. Camp (eds.), Gulf of Mexico�Origins, Waters, and Biota. Biodiversity. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, Texas.