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Alcithoe larochei ostenfeldi facts for kids

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Alcithoe larochei ostenfeldi
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
(unranked):
clade Caenogastropoda
clade Hypsogastropoda
clade Neogastropoda
Superfamily:
Muricoidea
Family:
Volutidae
Genus:
Alcithoe
Species:
A. ostenfeldi
Subspecies:
Alcithoe larochei ostenfeldi
Trinomial name
Alcithoe larochei ostenfeldi
(Iredale, 1937)
Synonyms
  • Alcithoe ostenfeldi'' (Iredale, 1937)
  • Gilvostia ostenfeldi Iredale, 1937 (original combination)

Alcithoe larochei ostenfeldi is a very large type of sea snail. It is a subspecies of marine (ocean-dwelling) mollusc called a gastropod. This snail belongs to the family called Volutidae, which are also known as volutes.

About This Snail

This sea snail is known for its impressive size. Its shell can grow up to 170 millimeters (about 17 centimeters or 6.7 inches) tall. The shell can also be as wide as 73 millimeters (about 7.3 centimeters or 2.9 inches). That's roughly the length of a standard ruler!

Where It Lives

This particular type of sea snail lives only in one place. It is endemic to New Zealand. This means you will not find Alcithoe larochei ostenfeldi naturally anywhere else in the world. It makes its home in the ocean waters around New Zealand.

What is a Gastropod?

Gastropods are a large group of molluscs. This group includes snails and slugs. They can live in the ocean, in fresh water, or on land. Most gastropods have a single shell, like the Alcithoe larochei ostenfeldi.

The Volute Family

The Alcithoe larochei ostenfeldi is part of the Volutidae family. These are often called "volutes." Volutes are a family of medium to very large sea snails. They are known for their beautiful, often colorful, and sometimes spiraled shells.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Alcithoe ostenfeldi para niños

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