Bolma aureola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bolma aureola |
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| Apertural view of a shell of Bolma aureola | |
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Bolma aureola, often called the golden turbo shell or the scaly star shell, is a type of sea snail. It's a marine gastropod mollusk, meaning it's a soft-bodied animal that lives in the ocean, usually with a shell. This snail belongs to the family Turbinidae, which are known as turban snails.
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What Does the Golden Turbo Shell Look Like?
The shell of the Bolma aureola is quite large. It can be anywhere from 60 mm to 100 mm tall. That's about the size of a small apple!
Shell Shape and Color
The shell has a cone shape and is very solid. It has seven whorls, which are the turns or spirals of the shell. The top part, called the spire, is tall. The shell is usually a dull brick-red color. But here's a cool part: there's a bright, shiny orange ring around the opening of the shell, called the aperture.
Cool Textures and Spines
The shell isn't smooth. It has special textures, or "sculpture." The earlier whorls have strong folds near the suture, which is the line where the whorls join. Around the edge of the shell, there are short, wide spines that point downwards. These spines become less noticeable closer to the opening. On one of the last whorls, there can be about sixteen of these spines.
The whole surface of the shell is covered with spiral lines, like cords. These cords are packed with overlapping scales, making the shell look scaly. The bottom of the shell is flat.
Inside the Shell
The opening of the shell is somewhat round and slants a bit. Inside, and on the central pillar of the shell (called the columella), it looks pearly. The bright orange color from the outside ring continues inside the lip of the shell.
The Operculum
The snail also has an operculum. This is like a little trapdoor that the snail uses to close off its shell when it pulls inside. For the golden turbo shell, the operculum is a pale orange color.
Where Does the Golden Turbo Shell Live?
This sea snail lives in the ocean, specifically off the coast of Australia. You can find it in the waters near New South Wales and Queensland. It's a species that is native only to Australia.
