Xenophoridae

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Xenophoridae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Orthogastropoda
Superorder: Heterobranchia
Order: Sorbeoconcha
Suborder: Hypsogastropoda
Family: Xenophoridae
Philippi, 1853
Genera

See text.

Xenophoridae, common name carrier shells, are a taxonomic family of medium-sized to large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the order Sorbeoconcha.

Xenophorids are unusual in that in many of the species the animal cements small stones or shells to the edge of the shell as it grows, thus the shells of those species are sometimes humorously referred to as "shell-collecting shells". The genus name Xenophora comes from two ancient Greek words and means "bearing (or carrying) foreigners".

Contents

[edit] Distribution

This family is tropical.

[edit] Shell description

The shells of Xenophoridae are top-shaped, with a fairly depressed spire and a flat to concave base. The body whorl overhangs at the periphery and sometimes forms a flange. Most carrier shells have an open, deep umbilicus and a thin, usually smooth, horny operculum.

The outer finish of the shell is generally dull white, beige, tan or brown, whereas the soft parts may be brilliantly coloured.

Characteristically, the shell is covered at the periphery with a series of other shells, pebbles, or other objects which are are cemented to the shell with secretions from the animal. All bivalve shells are attached with the inner side up, and gastropods are usually attached with the aperture up.

[edit] Genera within the family Xenophoridae

[edit] References