Trochia cingulata, common name : the girdled dogwhelk, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails.
Description
Trochus cingulatus (often listed now as Trochia cingulata) is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, commonly known as murex snails or rock snails.
The shell size varies between 20 mm and 45 mm.
Key Facts
- Appearance: The shell is generally elongated and conical, with distinct ridges and often a brownish or mottled pattern. It can be quite pretty and is sometimes collected for its decorative value.
- Habitat: ItâÂÂs typically found in shallow, rocky marine environments, often along the coast of southern Africa, especially around Namibia and South Africa.
- Behavior: Like many muricids, it's a predatory snail, feeding on other marine invertebrates, including bivalves.
Distribution
This species occurs in the Atlantic Ocean off Namibia and the West Coast of South Africa.
References
- Branch, G.M. et al. (2002). Two Oceans. 5th impression. David Philip, Cate Town & Johannesburg
- Houart R., Kilburn R.N. & Marais A.P. (2010) Muricidae. pp. 176âÂÂ270, in: Marais A.P. & Seccombe A.D. (eds), Identification guide to the seashells of South Africa. Volume 1. Groenkloof: Centre for Molluscan Studies. 376 pp
External links