Exomilus cancellatus facts for kids

Exomilus cancellatus is a tiny species of sea snail that lives in the ocean. It's a type of mollusc called a gastropod, which means "stomach-foot" because of how it moves. This snail belongs to a family of snails called Raphitomidae.

What it Looks Like

This snail has a very small shell. It's only about 4.5 millimeters long, which is less than half a centimeter! The shell is also quite narrow, about 1.5 millimeters wide.

The shell is a yellowish-brown color and shaped like a spindle, getting narrower at both ends. It also looks a bit like a tower with different levels. It has five main sections, called whorls, that spiral upwards.

If you look closely, you'll see that the shell has special patterns. It has ridges that run up and down, and lines that go around it. These lines cross each other, making the shell look like it has a tiny checkerboard or "cancellated" pattern. The opening of the shell, called the aperture, is a narrow oval shape. The edge of the opening, called the outer lip, is smooth and simple.

Where it Lives

This sea snail is special because it is endemic to Australia. This means it is only found naturally in this one part of the world. You can find Exomilus cancellatus living off the coast of Tasmania, an island state of Australia.