Longchaeus candidus
| Longchaeus candidus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Family: | Pyramidellidae |
| Genus: | Longchaeus |
| Species: | L. candidus |
| Binomial name | |
| Longchaeus candidus (Mörch, 1875) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
_-_Pyramidellidae_-_Mollusc_shell.jpeg)
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
- 1 2 3 WoRMS (2010). Longchaeus candidus (Mörch, 1875). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=420462 on 2011-10-26
- ↑ Rosenberg, G., F. Moretzsohn, and E. F. García. 2009. Gastropoda (Mollusca) of the Gulf of Mexico, Pp. 579–699 in Felder, D.L. and D.K. Camp (eds.), Gulf of Mexico–Origins, Waters, and Biota. Biodiversity. Texas A&M Press, College Station, Texas.
- ↑ Clessin, Stephan, Menke, Karl Theodor, Pfeiffer, Louis (1854). Malakozoologische Blätter. Vol. 22. T. Fischer.
- ↑ "malacology pictures". malacopics.nl. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
- 1 2 3 4 "Pyramidellidae Introduction". seashellsofnsw.org.au. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
- 1 2 3 4 "Longchaeus candidus (Mörch 1875) - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
- ↑ "Longchaeus candidus | Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS)". obis.org. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
- ↑ "Pyramidellidae family". jgs.nexgate.ch. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
External links