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Trichosirius inornatus facts for kids

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Trichosirius inornatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
(unranked):
clade Caenogastropoda
clade Hypsogastropoda
clade Littorinimorpha
Superfamily:
Capuloidea
Family:
Capulidae
Genus:
Trichosirius
Species:
T. inornatus
Binomial name
Trichosirius inornatus
(Hutton, 1873)
Synonyms
  • Trichosirius (Trichosirius) inornatus (Hutton, 1873)· accepted, alternate representation
  • Trichosirius inornatus chathamensis Finlay, 1928
  • Trichosirius clathrata Sower, 1874
  • Trichosirius inornata Hutton, 1873
  • Trichotropis clathrata G. B. Sowerby II, 1874

Trichosirius inornatus is a type of medium-sized sea snail. It lives in the ocean and belongs to a group of animals called molluscs. These snails are part of the Capulidae family, also known as cap snails, because their shells often look like little caps or hats. This particular species was first described by a scientist named Frederick Hutton in 1873.

What Are Sea Snails?

Sea snails are a kind of gastropod. Gastropods are the largest group of molluscs. They include snails and slugs that live on land, in fresh water, and in the ocean. Sea snails are special because they live only in salt water.

  • Most sea snails have a spiral shell.
  • They use a muscular "foot" to move around.
  • Many have a radula, which is like a tiny, toothed tongue. They use it to scrape food.

Where Trichosirius inornatus Lives

Trichosirius inornatus is found in the ocean. It is known to live near New Zealand. Sea snails often live on the seabed. They can be found on rocks, sand, or even attached to other marine animals. Their habitat depends on what they eat and how they protect themselves.

What Do Sea Snails Eat?

The diet of sea snails can be very different. Some sea snails are herbivores. This means they eat plants like algae. Other sea snails are carnivores. They hunt and eat other small animals. Some are even scavengers. They eat dead plants and animals. The Capulidae family, which Trichosirius inornatus belongs to, often feeds on tiny particles. They might filter food from the water.

The Shells of Cap Snails

The Capulidae family is known as "cap snails." This name comes from the shape of their shells. Their shells are often simple and cone-shaped. They look a bit like a small cap or a Chinese hat. These shells are usually not coiled in a tight spiral like many other snails. The shell helps protect the soft body of the snail from predators. It also keeps the snail from drying out.

Life Cycle of Sea Snails

The life cycle of sea snails usually starts with eggs. Female snails lay their eggs in the water. Sometimes, the eggs are laid in a protective casing. These casings can be attached to rocks or seaweed.

  • After a while, tiny larvae hatch from the eggs.
  • These larvae often float in the ocean currents.
  • They are called veliger larvae.
  • As they grow, they develop a small shell.
  • Eventually, they settle down to the seabed.
  • They then grow into adult snails.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Trichosirius inornatus para niños

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