Clanculus johnstoni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clanculus johnstoni |
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| Original drawing showing two views of a shell of Clanculus johnstoni | |
| Scientific classification |
Clanculus johnstoni is a tiny sea snail that lives in the ocean. It's a type of gastropod, which means "stomach-foot," and it belongs to the Trochidae family, also known as top snails. These snails are found in the waters around Australia.
What Does It Look Like?
This snail has a small, solid shell that is shaped like a cone or a globe. It's usually about 6 millimeters tall and 6 millimeters wide, which is less than a quarter of an inch!
The shell often has a beautiful deep red or "carmine" color. It also has buff-colored (a pale yellowish-brown) stripes or dashes that spread out from the top of each spiral. Sometimes, instead of red, the shell can be olive brown, but you might still see a hint of red at the very top.
The shell has five spirals, called whorls. As you look closer, you'll see tiny beads or bumps on these spirals. The opening of the shell, called the aperture, is slanted. Inside the outer edge of the opening, there are about a dozen small ridges. The central pillar of the shell, called the columella, is twisted and has a large tooth at its base, plus a smaller one above it.
Where Does It Live?
This marine snail is found only in Australia. It lives in the shallow waters near the coast, especially in the Northern Territory and Queensland. You might find it in the areas between the high and low tide marks.
