Terefundus quadricinctus facts for kids

Terefundus quadricinctus is a type of small sea snail. It's a species of marine mollusk, which means it's an animal that lives in the ocean and has a soft body, often protected by a shell. This particular snail belongs to a group called gastropods, which includes all snails and slugs. It is part of the family Muricidae, commonly known as murex snails or rock snails.

About This Sea Snail

Terefundus quadricinctus is a fascinating creature that lives in the ocean. Like all snails, it moves slowly, carrying its shell with it. It's a gastropod, a large group of mollusks that includes many different kinds of snails and slugs found on land and in water.

What's a Mollusk?

A mollusk is an invertebrate animal, meaning it doesn't have a backbone. Most mollusks, like this snail, have a hard shell to protect their soft bodies. They are a very diverse group, including clams, octopuses, and squids, as well as snails.

Its Scientific Family

Terefundus quadricinctus belongs to the Muricidae family. Snails in this family are often called murex snails or rock snails. They are known for their strong, often spiky shells. These snails are usually predators, meaning they hunt and eat other small marine animals.

Where It Lives

This sea snail is found only in one special place. It is an endemic species to New Zealand. This means that Terefundus quadricinctus naturally lives nowhere else in the world except around the coasts of New Zealand.

Subspecies of Terefundus quadricinctus

Sometimes, a species can have slightly different forms called subspecies. These are like different versions of the same animal that live in different areas or have small differences.

• Terefundus quadricinctus unicarinatus Dell, 1956 is a known subspecies of Terefundus quadricinctus.