Curtitoma

Curtitoma is a genus of small sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae. These snails are typically found in cold or temperate waters of the Northern Hemisphere.

Description

Snails in the genus Curtitoma are characterized by their elongated, spindle-shaped shells, typically with a relatively high spire. The shell surface is often sculptured with spiral cords or ridges, and sometimes axial ribs. The aperture is usually narrow, with a short siphonal canal. The outer lip of the aperture may be slightly thickened or flared. The shell color varies, but is often white, cream, or light brown.

Distribution

Curtitoma species are primarily distributed in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. They can be found in a range of depths, from shallow intertidal zones to deeper offshore waters.

Ecology

The feeding habits of Curtitoma species are not fully understood for all species within the genus, but they are generally considered to be carnivorous or scavenging snails, likely feeding on small invertebrates or organic detritus. They are typically found on sandy or muddy bottoms.

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of Curtitoma has been subject to revisions. It belongs to the family Mangeliidae, which is part of the superfamily Conoidea, a large and diverse group of predatory gastropods. The number of recognized species within Curtitoma can vary depending on the taxonomic authority consulted. Some species formerly classified within Curtitoma may have been reassigned to other genera.