Thylacodes zelandicus facts for kids

Thylacodes zelandicus is a fascinating type of sea snail often called a "worm snail" or "worm shell." It's a marine gastropod mollusc that belongs to the family Vermetidae, which are all known as worm snails. This unique creature lives in the ocean and has a shell that looks very different from most snails you might imagine!

Meet the New Zealand Worm Snail

Thylacodes zelandicus is a special kind of snail. Unlike many snails that move around, these snails often stay in one place. They attach themselves to rocks or other surfaces in the ocean.

What Makes Them Worm Snails?

The most interesting thing about Thylacodes zelandicus is its shell. Instead of a typical spiral shape, its shell grows in an irregular, tube-like way. This makes it look a lot like a worm's tube, which is how it got its common name, "worm snail" or "worm shell."

Where Do They Live?

This particular worm snail, Thylacodes zelandicus, is found in the waters around New Zealand. It lives in the ocean, usually attached to hard surfaces.

How They Eat and Live

Worm snails are filter feeders. This means they catch tiny bits of food floating in the water. They use a special mucus net to trap small particles and then eat them. Because they stay in one spot, this way of eating is perfect for them.

Its Scientific Name

The scientific name for this snail is Thylacodes zelandicus. It was first described by scientists Quoy and Gaimard in 1834. For a while, it was known by a different name, Serpulorbis zelandicus, but scientists later decided that Thylacodes zelandicus was the correct name based on its features.