Granotoma
Granotoma is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Mangeliidae. These snails are typically found in deep-sea environments.
Description
Granotoma snails are characterized by their relatively small size and fusiform (spindle-shaped) shells. The shell sculpture often includes spiral cords and axial ribs or riblets, giving it a textured appearance. The aperture is typically ovate, and the outer lip may be slightly thickened or lirate internally. The siphonal canal is short to moderately long. Shell color is often a pale or brownish hue.
Distribution
Species within the Granotoma genus are found in various regions of the world's oceans, typically in deep water. Distribution patterns vary among species, with some being more localized and others having wider ranges.
Ecology
Like other members of the Mangeliidae family, Granotoma snails are believed to be carnivorous or scavenging, feeding on small invertebrates or organic matter found on the seafloor. Relatively little is known about the specific life history and ecological role of these deep-sea snails due to the challenges associated with studying organisms in their natural habitat.
Taxonomy
The genus Granotoma was established by Bartsch, 1941. The classification and relationships within the Mangeliidae family are subject to ongoing research and revisions. The list of species included within the Granotoma genus may change as taxonomic understanding evolves.
Species
Species that have been included in the genus Granotoma include (but are not limited to, and subject to taxonomic revision):
- Granotoma albrechti (Krause, 1885)
- Granotoma biconica (Okutani, 1964)
- Granotoma bondarevi Bogdanov, 1989
- Granotoma detrita Krause, 1885
- Granotoma elegans (Møller, 1842)
- Granotoma fechteri Molls, 2001
- Granotoma krausei (Dall, 1887)
- Granotoma laevissima (Dall, 1871)
- Granotoma lutkeana (Krause, 1885)
- Granotoma macilenta (Dall, 1871)
- Granotoma raduginae Bogdanov, 1985
- Granotoma robertsi (Dall, 1889)
- Granotoma tumida Posselt, 1898
References
(List relevant malacological and taxonomic publications – these would be actual academic references, not just general websites. Examples would include but are not limited to, the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) entry for Granotoma.)