Marginella gemmula is a species of very small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Marginellidae, the margin snails.[1]
| Marginella gemmula | |
|---|---|
| |
| Apertural (right) and abapertural (left) views of a shell of M. gemmula | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Caenogastropoda |
| Order: | Neogastropoda |
| Family: | Marginellidae |
| Subfamily: | Marginellinae |
| Genus: | Marginella |
| Species: | M. gemmula
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| Binomial name | |
| Marginella gemmula Bavay in Dautzenberg, 1913
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| Synonyms | |
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Marginella (Kaokomarginella) gemmula Bavay, 1912· accepted, alternate representation | |
Description
editShell
editThe shell of Marginella gemmula, while glossy and smooth to the touch, has spires that can be anywhere from flat to moderately elevated. Most shells have various colors, but a small number can be colorless. On the outside of the shell, the columella has four plaits. The outside lip is thicker than other such creatures, and the inside of the shell sports a denticulate set of teeth and/or folds. Unlike other gastropods, Marginella gemmula's siphonal canal is not very deep, but is still present. There is no operculum present with Marginella gemmula.
Flesh
editThe head of Marginella gemmula is bifurcated, with the siphon extending behind it. When moving, the foot of the animal extends past the shell.
Distribution
editThis species occurs in Angola at depths between 15 m and 35 m.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Marginella gemmula Bavay. Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species on 24 April 2010.
- Gofas, S.; Afonso, J.P.; Brandào, M. (Ed.). (S.a.). Conchas e Moluscos de Angola = Coquillages et Mollusques d'Angola. [Shells and molluscs of Angola]. Universidade Agostinho / Elf Aquitaine Angola: Angola. 140 pp.
- Cossignani T. (2006). Marginellidae & Cystiscidae of the World. L'Informatore Piceno. 408pp
- Gofas S. & Fernandes F. 1994. The Marginellidae of Angola. The genus Marginella. Journal of Conchology 35(2): 103-119
External links
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