Calliostoma facts for kids
The Top shells are a group of amazing sea snails. They are also known by their scientific name, Calliostoma. These special snails live in the ocean all around the world. They are a type of mollusc, which is a group of soft-bodied animals, and they belong to the Gastropoda class, meaning they are a kind of snail.
Quick facts for kids Calliostoma |
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| The shell of Calliostoma selectum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
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clade Vetigastropoda
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| Superfamily: |
Trochoidea
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| Family: |
Calliostomatidae
Thiele, J., 1924
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| Genus: |
Calliostoma
Swainson, 1840
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About Top Shells
Top shells are a fascinating group of sea creatures. They are a type of gastropod, which means "stomach foot." This name describes how they move using a muscular foot on their underside. They are also molluscs, a large group of animals that includes clams, oysters, and octopuses.
What Are They Like?
Top shells get their name from the shape of their shells. Many of them have a cone-like or pyramid shape, similar to a spinning top toy. Their shells are often very beautiful, with shiny, pearly insides. This pearly part is called the aperture, which is the opening of the shell where the snail's body comes out.
Where Do They Live?
You can find Top shells in oceans all over the world. They live in many different parts of the sea, from shallow waters near the coast to much deeper areas. They often live on rocky bottoms or among seaweed, where they can find food.
What's in a Name?
The scientific name for Top shells, Calliostoma, comes from ancient Greek words. The word kallos means "beautiful," and stoma means "mouth." This name was chosen because of the lovely, pearly opening of their shells. It's a perfect name for these pretty sea snails!
Images for kids
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Apertural view of a shell of Calliostoma trotini
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Drawing of a dorsal view of a living animal of Calliostoma bairdii dredged in the Atlantic Ocean at a depth of from 100 m to 1170 m
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Rare purple beaded specimen of Calliostoma supragranosum found subtidally in Southern California
