Borsonia ceroplasta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Borsonia ceroplasta |
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| Original image of a shell of Borsonia ceroplasta | |
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Borsonia ceroplasta is a type of small sea snail. It's a marine mollusk that belongs to a group called gastropods. These snails live in the ocean and are part of the Borsoniidae family. This snail was first described by Robert Boog Watson in 1881.
Contents
What Does Borsonia ceroplasta Look Like?
The shell of Borsonia ceroplasta is quite small, usually growing up to about 13 millimeters (which is a little over half an inch).
Shell Shape and Features
The shell has a tall, narrow shape, like two cones joined at their bases. It has a pointed top, called a spire, and a slightly short bottom part. The lines where the shell sections join, called sutures, are a bit indented.
The shell's surface has faint ribs and very light spiral patterns. On the earlier parts of the shell, there are about 12 raised bumps, and on the last two sections, there are about 14. These bumps are blunt and stick out slightly in the middle of each section. The shell also has many fine growth lines, which are like tiny scratches.
Shell Color
The shell of Borsonia ceroplasta is a pale, waxy white color. This is actually where its name comes from!
Inside the Shell
The opening of the shell, called the aperture, is small and narrow. It's shaped a bit like a pear. At the front, it stretches out into a narrow tube called a siphonal canal. This canal helps the snail breathe and filter water.
The outer edge of the shell opening, known as the outer lip, curves smoothly. Just below the suture, there's a deep, narrow notch called a sinus. This sinus is a special feature of many sea snails.
The inner part of the shell opening has a thin, shiny layer. This layer covers the main body of the shell and the central pillar, called the columella.
Where Does Borsonia ceroplasta Live?
This marine snail lives in the ocean waters around Puerto Rico, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the wider Virgin Islands area.
