Alcithoe arabica facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alcithoe arabica
A shell of the shouldered form of Alcithoe arabica
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Alcithoe swainsoni Marwick, 1926 Alcithoe motutaraensis Powell A. W. B., 1928 Fulgoraraia (Alcithoe) depressa Suter, 1908 Notovoluta rossiteri Brazier, 1898 Notovoluta rossiteri Swainson, 1821 Notovoluta rossiteri Perry, 1810

Alcithoe arabica, common name Arabic volute, is a species of very large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Volutidae, the volutes.

Distribution

This species is endemic to New Zealand.

Description

A shell of Alcithoe arabica

Shells of Alcithoe arabica can reach a height of 75–225 millimetres (3.0–8.9 in) and a width of 88 mm. These shells are usually large, solid, fusiform, with relatively weak tubercles on the shoulder of the body whorl. The shell aperture is high with a thickened, rounded outer lip. The external surface is yellowish-white with chestnut zig-zac markings, forming five bands on the body whorl. These zig-zag markings were thought to resemble Arabic writing, giving rise to the name of the species.

There is no operculum in A. arabica. Individuals have a large grey to brown foot, flecked with purple and orange markings.

Ecology

These sea snails live in subtidal waters on soft sediments. Alcithoe arabica are able to move quite quickly on the soft substrate. They feed on bivalves that they smother using their large foot. The rounded, thin shelled eggs of this species are laid on stones or other shells.

Subspecies

• Alcithoe arabica motutaraensis Powell, 1928
• Alcithoe arabica swainsoni Marwick, 1926

Gallery

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  A shell of Alcithoe arabica (smooth form)

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  Apertural view

See also

In Spanish: Alcithoe arabica para niños