Cystiscus manceli is a species of minute sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc belonging to the family Cystiscidae. These snails are characterized by their very small, often glossy shells and are found in tropical marine environments.
Taxonomy Cystiscus manceli was first described by Félix Jousseaume in 1876. Its taxonomic classification is as follows:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Clade: Caenogastropoda
- Clade: Neogastropoda
- Superfamily: Volutoidea
- Family: Cystiscidae
- Genus: Cystiscus Stimpson, 1865
- Species: Cystiscus manceli Jousseaume, 1876
Description The shell of Cystiscus manceli is typically very small, generally measuring only a few millimeters (e.g., 2-5 mm) in length. It exhibits an ovate to biconical shape, with a remarkably smooth and highly glossy surface, a common characteristic among members of the Cystiscidae family. The coloration is often plain, usually ranging from white to cream or pale yellow, though subtle variations or faint banding may occasionally be present. The aperture (shell opening) is relatively narrow, and the outer lip of the shell can be thickened. Like other cystiscids, it is a predatory snail, likely feeding on small invertebrates, although specific dietary details for C. manceli are not extensively documented.
Distribution and Habitat This species is known to inhabit the marine waters of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It typically lives in shallow tropical and subtropical environments. Its preferred habitats often include coral reefs, sandy substrates, or areas with rubble and debris, where it can find shelter and its prey.
References
- Jousseaume, F. (1876). Description de quelques espèces nouvelles de la famille des Marginellidae. Revue et Magasin de Zoologie Pure et Appliquée, 3(4): 208-271.
- World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS): Cystiscus manceli.