Benthofascis sarcinula facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Benthofascis sarcinula |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Shell of Benthofascis sarcinula (specimen at the Smithsonian Institution) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Benthofascis sarcinula is a type of sea snail that lives in the ocean. It's a marine mollusk, which means it's an animal with a soft body, often protected by a shell, like clams or octopuses. This particular snail belongs to a group called the Conorbidae family.
These snails are predators, meaning they hunt other animals for food. They are also venomous. This means they can deliver a sting, so it's very important to be careful. If you ever see one alive, it's best not to touch it at all.
What Does Benthofascis sarcinula Look Like?
The shell of an adult Benthofascis sarcinula is usually between 16.6 and 24.7 millimeters long. That's about the length of a small paperclip or a little longer. The shell's width is between 7.4 and 10.7 millimeters.
The shell is strong and has an oval shape that narrows at both ends. It's usually a pale yellow color, sometimes with a slightly rusty tint near the top where the parts of the shell join. The shell has about three and a half turns, or whorls. The very first part of the shell, from when it was a tiny baby, has fine spiral lines.
As the snail grows, these lines continue as wider, shallow grooves. The main part of the shell has about twenty-two spiral ridges. These ridges are crossed by fine, curved growth lines, which show how the shell grew over time. The opening of the shell is narrow.
Where Does Benthofascis sarcinula Live?
This marine snail is found only in Australia. It lives in the waters off the coasts of New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania.
More About Sea Snails
Sea snails are fascinating creatures that play important roles in ocean ecosystems. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some sea snails eat plants, while others, like Benthofascis sarcinula, are predators. Many have beautiful shells that protect their soft bodies.
