Notogibbula preissiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Notogibbula preissiana |
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| Three views of a shell of Notogibbula preissiana | |
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Notogibbula preissiana, also known as the twin-keeled top shell, is a small sea snail. It's a type of marine gastropod mollusc, which means it's an animal with a soft body, often protected by a shell, that lives in the ocean. This snail belongs to the family Trochidae, commonly called "top shells" because of their cone-like shape.
What Does the Twin-Keeled Top Shell Look Like?
This sea snail has a small shell, usually between 7 and 9 millimeters tall. That's about the size of a pea! The shell is quite thick and has a rounded, slightly flattened shape. It has a deep "belly button" or hole at its base, called an umbilicus.
Shell Features
The shell has about 5 to 5½ whorls, which are the spiral turns of the shell. These turns are separated by deep lines called sutures. The shells are usually whitish. They have cool patterns of wavy, rosy-brown lines and small spots near the sutures and edges.
The first few turns of the shell are smooth. The turns that follow have delicate spiral grooves and a raised ridge in the middle. The main body part of the shell, called the body whorl, has two raised bands or "keels" that are far apart. The bottom of the shell is rounded and has circular ridges, especially around the umbilicus. The opening of the shell, called the aperture, is almost round.
Where Does the Twin-Keeled Top Shell Live?
This marine snail lives only in Australia. It can be found off the coasts of South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. This means it is endemic to these areas.
