STRAWBERRY CUMINGI SHELLS A CRAFTERS FAVORITE

Strawberry Cumingi Shells

Strawberry Cumingi Shells

Clanculus puniceus, common names the strawberry cumingi top shell or purplish clanculus. They are a species of small sea snails, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Trochidae, the top shells.

The adult shell of Clanculus puniceus typically ranges in size from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. These diminutive, sturdy shells are broadly conical with a low spire and feature a granulated, coral-red surface adorned with a pattern of tiny black and white spots. The shell's form, dimensions, hue, and texture are evocative of a small strawberry, which is the origin of its common name.

The species is found in the Indian Ocean, specifically off the coasts of Madagascar, within the Mascarene Basin, and along the shores of Mozambique, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and Tanzania. These sea snails reside on rocks in the eulittoral zone.

Scientific classification

Domain: Eukaryota

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Gastropoda

Subclass: Vetigastropoda

Order: Trochida

Superfamily: Trochoidea

Family: Trochidae

Genus: Clanculus

Species: Clanculus puniceus

Binomial name: Clanculus puniceus

(Philippi, 1846)

(REF: WoRMS (2011). Clanculus puniceus (Philippi, 1846). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species)(REF: H. Pilsbry, Manual of Conchology XI, Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia (described as Trochus puniceus)(REF: Herbert G.G. (1993). Revision of the Trochinae, tribe Trochini (Gastropoda: Trochidae) of southern Africa. Annals of the natal Museum 34)

KKO-10

A Strawberry Cumingi shell measuring up to 1/2 inch...... .04




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