Strombidae

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iStrombidae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Gastropoda Subclass: Orthogastropoda Superorder: Caenogastropoda Order: Sorbeoconcha Suborder: Hypsogastropoda Infraorder: Littorinimorpha Superfamily: Stromboidea Family: Strombidae Rafinesque, 1815
Genera
Lambis Strombus Terebellum Tibia Varicospira

Strombidea is a family of gastropod comprising the following genera:

• Lambis - Röding, 1798 (nine known living species)
• Strombus - Linné, 1758 (55 known living species)
• Terebellum - Lamarck, 1799 (one known living species)
• Tibia - Röding, 1798 (six known living species)
• Varicospira - Eames, 1952 (three known living species).

Members of the order Mesogastropoda usually have seven teeth positioned crosswise on the radula and a reproductive organ called a verge. The family Strombidae includes the true conchs, tibias, and their allies. Most are extinct. Of the living strombids, most occur in the Indo-Pacific region. Only six species of strombids are found in the wider Caribbean region, and all of them are in the genus Strombus.

Strombids have long eye stalks, a long and narrow aperture, and a siphonal canal with an indentation near the anterior end called a stromboid notch. Unlike most snails, which glide slowly across the substrate on their foot, strombids have a characteristic leaping motion, using their pointed, sickle-shaped, horny operculum to propel themselves forward in a leaping motion (Parker 1922). They grow a flared lip upon reaching sexual maturity, and they lay eggs in long, gelatinous strands.