Ancillariidae Explained

The Ancillariidae is a taxonomic family of sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the superfamily Olivoidea.[1] [2] They are gastropods, which belong to the larger group of mollusks. This family is part of the superfamily Cypraeoidea, which includes cowries, a well-known group of sea snails.

Distribution and habitat

Ancillariidae species can be found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. They inhabit diverse marine environments, including coral reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds.[3]

Physical characteristics

Ancillariidae shells are elongated, cylindrical, and slightly curved. They have a smooth and glossy surface, with some species displaying prominent ridges or knobs. The shells exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, from plain white or cream to vibrant and intricate designs.[4] [5]

Behavior and feeding habits

Ancillariidae snails are primarily nocturnal, being active at night to feed on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. They use their specialized radula to scrape food particles from the substrate or graze on algae. During the day, they seek shelter in crevices or burrow in the sand to avoid predators and excessive sunlight.[6]

Reproduction

Reproduction in Ancillariidae involves separate sexes, with individuals being either male or female.[7] They release eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization takes place externally. The larvae develop into planktonic forms, drifting in ocean currents until they settle on the substrate and undergo metamorphosis into adults.

Genera

Genera within the family Ancillariidae include:[8]

Genera brought into synonymy

Notes and References

  1. MolluscaBase (2018). Ancillariidae Swainson, 1840. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=993219 on 2018-11-21
  2. Bouchet. Philippe. Rocroi. Jean-Pierre. Hausdorf. Bernhard. Kaim. Andrzej. Kano. Yasunori. Nützel. Alexander. Parkhaev. Pavel. Schrödl. Michael. Strong. Ellen E.. 2017. Revised Classification, Nomenclator and Typification of Gastropod and Monoplacophoran Families. Malacologia. en-US. 61. 1-2. 352. 10.4002/040.061.0201. 0076-2997.
  3. Returning to the roots: morphology, molecular phylogeny and classification of the Olivoidea (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda) - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Radulae-of-Pseudolividae-A-B-and-Ancillariidae-C-I-A-Pseudoliva-sepimenta-MNHN_fig12_316733118 [accessed 18 Jun, 2023]
  4. Kantor, Yu & Fedosov, Alexander & Puillandre, Nicolas & Bouchet, Philippe. (2016). Integrative taxonomy approach to Indo-Pacific Olividae: New species revealed by molecular and morphological data. 26. 123-144.
  5. https://hal.science/hal-03921031v1/file/Kantor%20et%20al%202017.pdf Returning to the roots: morphology, molecular phylogeny and classification of the Olivoidea (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda) Yuri I Kantor, Alexander E Fedosov, Nicolas Puillandre, Céline Bonillo, Philippe Bouchet
  6. Web site: WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Ancillariidae Swainson, 1840 . 2023-06-18 . www.marinespecies.org . en.
  7. Web site: Ancilla Lamarck 1799 - Encyclopedia of Life . 2023-06-18 . eol.org.
  8. Web site: WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Ancillariidae Swainson, 1840. www.marinespecies.org. en. 2018-10-09.

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