Aporrhais

Aporrhais is a genus of medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Aporrhaidae, the pelican's foot snails or pelican's-foot shells.

Characteristics:

Aporrhais snails are characterized by their distinctive shell shape, which often includes a greatly expanded and modified outer lip (or labrum). This expanded lip can resemble a pelican's foot, giving the family its common name. The shell sculpture typically consists of spiral ridges and axial ribs.

Distribution:

Aporrhais species are found in temperate and cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Their distribution is often related to sediment type and water depth.

Ecology:

These snails are deposit feeders, meaning they obtain nutrients by ingesting organic matter from the sediment. They are typically found on sandy or muddy bottoms at varying depths.

Species:

Several species are recognized within the genus Aporrhais, including:

• Aporrhais pesgallinae (formerly Aporrhais serresiana): A Mediterranean species.
• Aporrhais senegalensis: Found off the coast of West Africa.
• Aporrhais occidentalis: Fossil species

Taxonomy:

The taxonomy of Aporrhais and related genera has been revised over time. Some species previously classified under Aporrhais may now be assigned to other genera within the Aporrhaidae family based on molecular and morphological data.

Human Uses:

Historically, shells of Aporrhais species have been collected for ornamental purposes. They have also been used in traditional medicine in some cultures. However, they are not a commercially significant food source.