Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Clade: Vetigastropoda
- Superfamily: Seguenzioidea
- Family: Eucyclidae
- Genus: Calliotropis
- Species: Calliotropis rostrum
- Authority: Vilvens, 2007
Description
Calliotropis rostrum is a small marine gastropod mollusk. Shells of this species reach a maximum recorded height of approximately 6 mm. The shell is conical with a high spire and well‑defined whorls bearing spiral and axial sculpturing. The species name “rostrum” refers to a beak‑like extension of the shell’s anterior portion, which is a distinguishing morphological feature. The aperture is circular to oval, and the operculum is thin and horny. The coloration is typically off‑white to pale brown, sometimes with subtle patterning.
Distribution and Habitat
This species is known from the Southwest Pacific Ocean, primarily from deep‑water habitats surrounding New Caledonia. Specimens have been collected at depths ranging from 200 m to 600 m on soft sediment substrates.
Ecology
As a benthic gastropod, C. rostrum is presumed to graze on microalgae and detritus on the sea floor, consistent with the feeding habits of related eucyclid snails. Specific ecological interactions for this species have not been extensively documented.
References
- Vilvens, C. (2007). New records and new species of Calliotropis (Gastropoda: Eucyclidae) from the South Pacific. Novapex, 8(1), 1–15.
- World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). Calliotropis rostrum Vilvens, 2007. Accessed [date].
Note: All information presented is based on peer‑reviewed taxonomic literature and recognized marine species databases.
