Cirsotrema zelebori facts for kids

The slender wentletrap, also known as Cirsotrema zelebori, is a fascinating type of very small sea snail. It lives deep in the ocean and is a marine gastropod mollusk. This tiny creature belongs to a group of snails called the Epitoniidae family, which are commonly known as wentletraps.

What is a Slender Wentletrap?

The slender wentletrap is a type of sea snail. It is a gastropod, which means "stomach foot." This refers to how snails move using a muscular foot. As a mollusk, it belongs to a large group of soft-bodied animals. Many mollusks, like snails, have a hard shell to protect them.

How Big is This Snail?

The shell of the slender wentletrap is quite small. It usually measures between 12 millimeters and 25 millimeters. That's about half an inch to one inch long. Its common name, "slender wentletrap," comes from its tall, narrow shell shape.

What Does "Wentletrap" Mean?

The word "wentletrap" comes from a Dutch word meaning "spiral staircase." This is a perfect description for the shells of these snails. They have a beautiful, winding shape. Their shells often have raised ridges or "ribs" that go around the spiral.

Where Does Cirsotrema zelebori Live?

This specific snail species is found only in a special place. It lives in the seas around the southern islands of New Zealand. When an animal or plant is found only in one particular area, it is called "endemic" to that region.

Deepwater Home

The slender wentletrap is a deepwater snail. This means it lives in the deeper parts of the ocean. These areas are often cold and dark. The pressure is also much higher than at the surface. Animals that live here are specially adapted to these conditions.

New Zealand's Unique Waters

New Zealand's waters are known for their rich and unique marine life. This is because of the country's isolated location. It also has diverse underwater habitats. These include deep trenches and rocky reefs. This makes it a perfect home for many different species, including the slender wentletrap.

What Do Wentletraps Eat?

Most wentletraps, including the slender wentletrap, are known to be predators. They often feed on sea anemones and corals. They use a special feeding tube called a proboscis to suck out the soft parts of their prey. This makes them an important part of the ocean's food web.

How Were They Discovered?

This species was first described by a scientist named Wilhelm Dunker in 1866. Scientists give each species a unique two-part name. This is called a binomial name. For this snail, it is Cirsotrema zelebori. The first part, Cirsotrema, is the genus name. The second part, zelebori, is the species name.