Volutella muricata
Species of gastropod
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Volutella muricata, common name the Caribbean vase, is a species of medium to large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Vasidae.[1][2]
| Volutella muricata | |
|---|---|
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| Two views of a shell of Volutella muricata without periostracum from Los Roques archipelago, Venezuela | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Caenogastropoda |
| Order: | Neogastropoda |
| Superfamily: | Turbinelloidea |
| Family: | Vasidae |
| Genus: | Volutella |
| Species: | V. muricata |
| Binomial name | |
| Volutella muricata (Born, 1778) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Description
Volutella muricata has a large, thick and heavy shell that reaches a length of 50 – 100 mm. The shell is quite elongated, conical or vase-shaped (hence the common name). There are blunt spines at the shoulder and near the base. The shell is off- white with black or dark brown periostracum externally, while the aperture is usually white. The columella has 5 strong folds, the first and third being the largest.[3]
Distribution
Habitat
This species is rather common and is often found in pairs in shallow water. It preys on worms and clams.[9]
Gallery
Volutella muricata from Los Monjes Archipelago, Venezuela.
Volutella muricata from Los Monjes Archipelago, Venezuela.
Volutella muricata from Isla La Tortuga
Volutella muricata from Isla La Tortuga
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