Tenagodus weldii facts for kids
Tenagodus weldii is a special type of sea snail. It's a mollusc that lives in the ocean. People sometimes call these snails "slit worm snails" because of their unique shape. This snail was first found and described by a scientist named Julian Tenison-Woods in 1876. You can only find Tenagodus weldii living naturally in New Zealand.
Quick facts for kids Tenagodus weldii |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Caenogastropoda
clade Sorbeoconcha |
| Superfamily: |
Cerithioidea
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| Family: |
Siliquariidae
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| Subfamily: |
Siliquariinae
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| Genus: |
Tenagodus
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| Species: |
T. weldii
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| Binomial name | |
| Tenagodus weldii Tenison Woods, 1876
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| Synonyms | |
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Contents
About the Slit Worm Snail
Tenagodus weldii belongs to a group of sea snails called Siliquariidae, which are known as "slit worm snails." These snails are quite unique because their shells don't look like typical snail shells. Instead, they often grow in an irregular, tube-like shape.
What Tenagodus weldii Looks Like
Unlike many snails with coiled shells, Tenagodus weldii has a shell that grows in a long, winding tube. This tube often has a slit or a series of holes along one side. This special design helps the snail in its life under the sea. The shell can be a mix of colors, often blending in with its surroundings.
Where This Snail Lives
Tenagodus weldii is an endemic species, which means it is only found in one specific place in the world. For this snail, that place is New Zealand. It lives in the marine waters around New Zealand, usually attached to rocks or other hard surfaces on the seabed.
How Tenagodus weldii Lives
These snails are usually found living in sponges or corals. They attach themselves to these structures and filter tiny bits of food from the water. The unique slit or holes in their shell might help them with water flow for feeding and breathing. They are an important part of the ocean's ecosystem, helping to keep the water clean by filtering out small particles.
Its Discovery
The first time Tenagodus weldii was officially described was in 1876. A scientist named Julian Tenison-Woods was the one who studied it and gave it its scientific name. Scientists use these names to make sure everyone knows exactly which animal they are talking about, no matter where they are in the world.
See also
In Spanish: Siliquaria weldii para niños
