Lampridia

Lampridia is a genus of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Cymatiidae. These snails are sometimes referred to as triton snails or hairy tritons, although the "triton snail" name is more generally applied to many members of the Cymatiidae family.

Characteristics:

• Shell Morphology: Lampridia species possess moderately sized, fusiform shells. The shell sculpture often includes spiral cords and axial ribs, giving the shell a textured appearance. A characteristic feature is the presence of a hairy periostracum (the outermost organic layer of the shell) in some species, hence the common name "hairy tritons." The aperture is typically ovate.

• Predatory Behavior: Lampridia snails are known to be active predators. They primarily feed on other marine invertebrates, including bivalves, other gastropods, and possibly even echinoderms.

• Distribution: Species belonging to the Lampridia genus are generally found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region.

• Taxonomy: The taxonomy of the Cymatiidae family, and therefore the exact classification of Lampridia species, is subject to ongoing research and revisions. Specific species assignments within the genus can vary depending on the taxonomic authority.

Note: Identifying specific Lampridia species requires detailed morphological analysis of the shell and, in some cases, anatomical examination. Field identification based solely on external appearance can be challenging due to variations within species and similarities to other Cymatiidae genera.