Malacology
Malacology is the study of mollusks. This includes animals like octopus, snails, slugs, and clams. It is the second largest phylum of animals, making them one of the most successful groups on the planet. There are over 80,000 described species of mollusks with many more left to be discovered. Mullusca is composed of 8 recognized classes including Cephalopoda, Gastropoda, Polyplacophora, Scaphapoda, Monoplacophorans, the Aplacophorans, Caudofoveata and Solenogastres, and Bivalvia.
Sharp-rib Drill
Dall, 1890
Eupleura sulcidentata
Class:
Gastropoda
Order:
Neogastropoda
Family:
Muricidae
Misc. Facts
These snails primarily feed on other mollusks. It secretes enzymes to soften the shells of their prey. They then drill through the softened shell using a special modified radula.
Citations
MolluscaBase eds. (2021). MolluscaBase. Eupleura sulcidentata Dall, 1890. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=404149 on 2021-06-23
Rosenberg, G., F. Moretzsohn, and E. F. Garc�a. 29. 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 University Press, College Station, Texas.