Cantharidella ocellina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cantharidella ocellina |
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| Original image of a shell of Cantharidella ocellata | |
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Gibbula ocellina Hedley, C. 1911 |
Cantharidella ocellina, also known as the eyelet top shell, is a type of sea snail. It is a mollusk that lives in the ocean. This tiny snail belongs to the family called Trochidae, which are often known as top snails.
Contents
What Does the Eyelet Top Shell Look Like?
The shell of the eyelet top shell is quite small. It usually grows to about 4 millimeters (which is less than half a centimeter!). It has a solid, cone-like shape.
Shell Shape and Features
The shell has a pointed top, called a spire. This spire has five turns, or whorls. The shell also has a noticeable ridge, or "keel," around its widest part. This widest part is called the periphery. There is another keel higher up on the shell, near the "shoulder."
Colors and Patterns
Below the main ridge, the shell is a plain buff color. Above the ridge, you can see wide stripes. These stripes are a mix of buff-pink and white. Along the main ridge, there are pairs of dark brown marks. Sometimes these marks look like little eyes, which is why it's called the "eyelet" top shell. The very tip of the shell, called the apex, is pink.
Shell Details
The bottom of the shell has seven flat, evenly spaced ridges. A strong, round cord also runs around the widest part of the shell. This cord continues up the spire. The last two whorls of the shell have four spiral ridges above the main cord. The top ridge is stronger and forms a small shelf near the top of each whorl. The very top whorls of the shell are smooth. The opening of the shell, called the aperture, is round. The outer edge of this opening is simple and has small dents from the spiral ridges. The central pillar inside the shell, called the columella, stands straight.
Where Does the Eyelet Top Shell Live?
This marine snail lives only in Australia. It is found off the coast of South Australia. When an animal lives only in one specific area, it is called endemic to that place.
