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Family Turbinellidae - vase shells
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Class |
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Gastropoda |
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Environment |
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Fresh : No |
Brackish : No |
Marine : Yes |
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Remark |
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To about 15 cm. Marine (Ref. 94508). Shell thick and heavy, biconical to fusiform, generally roughly sculptured. Outer sculpture mainly spiral, often nodulose to spinose on shoulder. Periostracum conspicuous. Siphonal canal present, long to short. Inner lip of aperture mostly with several strong folds. Operculum thick and corneous, claw-like with a terminal nucleus. Head small, with a long snout and eyes at the outer bases of tentacles. Foot broad, sometimes bifid anteriorly. Most common in littoral to shallow tropical and subtropical waters, on reefs, coral rubble or sandy bottoms. Carnivorous animals, preying on clams, sipunculid or polychaete worms. Sexes separate, fertilization internal. Eggs laid in series of thick, horny capsules, forming ribbons or twisted masses. Vase shells are commonly collected for food by coastal peoples and their thick shells are used as a source of lime or as ornaments (Ref. 349). |
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