Golden volute facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden volute |
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| Golden volute, Iredalina mirabilis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Caenogastropoda
clade Hypsogastropoda clade Neogastropoda |
| Superfamily: |
Muricoidea
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| Family: |
Volutidae
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| Genus: |
Iredalina
Finlay, 1926
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| Species: |
I. mirabilis
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| Binomial name | |
| Iredalina mirabilis Finlay, 1926
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| Synonyms | |
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Iredalina aurantia Powell, 1954 |
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The golden volute (Iredalina mirabilis) is a very special type of sea snail. It's a large, rare mollusc that lives deep in the ocean. This amazing snail belongs to a group of snails called Volutidae, often known simply as volutes.
This particular snail is the only species in its group, which scientists call a genus. So, the Iredalina genus has just one member: the golden volute!
Where the Golden Volute Lives
The golden volute is a true native of New Zealand. This means it is found only in the waters off New Zealand's east coast. It's a unique creature to that part of the world!
Its Deep-Sea Home
This beautiful volute snail lives very deep in the ocean. It can be found at depths between 180 and 700 meters (about 590 to 2,300 feet). That's deeper than many tall buildings!
Sometimes, you might find empty golden volute shells closer to the surface. This often happens because hermit crabs pick up these shells. The crabs then carry them into shallower waters as their new homes.
What the Shell Looks Like
The shell of the golden volute is quite rare and very beautiful. Because of this, it is highly valued by shell collectors.
The shell can grow quite large. It can reach up to 140 millimeters (about 5.5 inches) in height. Its width can be up to 48 millimeters (about 1.9 inches).
