Kingdom Animalia Family Marginellidae Phylum Mollusca Rank Genus | Superfamily Muricoidea Scientific name Marginella Higher classification Marginellidae | |
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Lower classifications Marginella rosea, Marginella melvilli, Marginella mosaica, Marginella orstomi, Marginella chalmersi | ||
Marginella dragging fishhead p7201507
Marginella is a genus of small tropical and temperate sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the family Marginellidae, the margin snails. It is the type genus of the family.
Contents
- Marginella dragging fishhead p7201507
- Marginella p1100947
- Etymology
- Shell description
- Description of the soft parts
- Distribution
- Species
- References
The shells of species in this genus are rounded, smooth and glossy, with a large aperture that appears to be toothed because it shows the edge of the columellar folds. In many species the shells are colorful. The glossy surface of the shell results from the fact that the mantle covers most of the shell when the animal is active. As is typical in the Neogastropoda, the animal has a long siphon. When the animal is active, the foot extends much further out than the edge of the shell.
As is also typical for the Neogastropoda, species in this genus are carnivorous and predatory.
Marginella p1100947
Etymology
Marginella means "little margin".
Shell description
The shells of the species in this genus have spires which range from moderately elevated to flattened. The surface of the shell is glossy and porcellaneous, and it is often but not always colourful. The columella has four definite, subequal plaits on its anterior half. The outer lip is thickened, and generally denticulate inside, with distinct teeth or folds. The siphonal canal is not deeply incised.
There is no operculum.
Description of the soft parts
In the living animal, the mantle only partly extends over the shell when the animal is moving.
The head is bifurcated, with slender tentacles and eyes in small bulges lateral to the base of tentacles. The siphon is large and protrudes over the head. The foot is large and flat, and when it is extended is slightly longer than the shell.
Distribution
This genus is found in tropical and temperate seas worldwide.
Species
Species within the genus Marginella include: