Biology:Longchaeus candidus

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Short description: Species of gastropod


Longchaeus candidus
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Heterobranchia
Family: Pyramidellidae
Genus: Longchaeus
Species:
L. candidus
Binomial name
Longchaeus candidus
(Mörch, 1875)
Synonyms[1]
  • Pyramidella candida Mørch, 1875
  • Pyramidella (Longchaeus) candida (Mörch, 1875)

Longchaeus candidus is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Pyramidellidae, the pyrams and their allies.[1][2]

Description

External shell and structure

The elongate conical shell of L. candidus grows to a length of 14 mm. L. candidus is originally described (as Obeliscus (Longchaeus) candidus) as having a narrow, white glossy or translucent shell with a median groove. The shell has a canaliculate suture bilaterally, a subtly crenulated dentate, and incremental lyrae. L. candidus has two internal dentate lyrae.[3] Specimen photos show L. candidus as having approximately 10-12 whorls that are gently convex. The whorls have an axial sculpture of significantly impressed lines. The sutures between whorls are similarly impressed.[4]

Live snail

Species in the family Pyramidellidae have an extensible proboscis that can be used to pierce their prey, but lack a functional radula.[5]

Distribution and habitat

This species occurs in the following locations:[1]

  • Gulf of Mexico
  • Caribbean Sea : Panama, Virgin Islands
  • in the Atlantic Ocean off West Africa, North Carolina, the Bahamas, North Brazil

L. candidus is a marine benthic species.[6] Specimens are primarily documented as being found in waters less than 60 meters below the surface, with a group of specimens also being found at between 170-180 meters below the surface.[7]

Life habits

Diet

L. candidus, like other species in Pyramidellidae[5], are carnivorous ectoparasites.[6] Species in Pyramidellidae feed primarily on clams, oysters, polychaetes, and occasionally other gastropods.[8]

Reproduction

Species in the family Pyramidellidae are simultaneous hermaphrodites[5] and reproduce sexually.[6]

Locomotion

L. candidus moves by mucus mediated gliding.[6] Pyramidellidae species are primarily sedentary, attaching themselves to their host to feed for extended periods of time.[5]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q6673649 entry