Clanculus corallinus
A Mediterranean top snail with a granose, variably colored shell.
Clanculus corallinus is a marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the Trochidae family, commonly known as top snails. Its shell, which ranges from 6 to 10 mm in size, is globose-conic and has an umbilicus. The shell color is typically coral-red or brown, with narrow white flame-like marks beneath the sutures, brown maculations, and white dots on the base, though the species varies greatly in color. The spire is conic and acute, with subcanaliculate sutures. The five to six whorls are convex and have spiral, granose ridges. The rounded body whorl is encircled by 14 or 15 conspicuous, equal granose ridges, with finely obliquely striate interstices and sometimes visible spiral striae. The aperture is oblique and subquadrangular. The outer lip is plicate inside, dentate above, with a usually bifid tooth. The basal margin is curved and crenulate inside. The columella is deeply inserted into the rather narrow umbilicus, bearing a strong dentiform fold above and a large, quadrangular, biplicate tooth at the base. The parietal wall is wrinkled. The white umbilicus is smooth inside and has a crenulate margin. This species is found in the Mediterranean Sea.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Clanculus corallinus
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The shell of Clanculus corallinus varies between 6 mm and 10 mm in size. It is umbilicate and globose-conic in shape, typically coral-red or brown, with narrow white flames beneath the sutures and brown maculations, while the base is dotted with white. The species exhibits considerable color variation. The conic spire is acute, and the sutures are subcanaliculate. The five to six whorls are convex and spirally granose-lirate. The body whorl is rounded and encircled by 14 or 15 conspicuously granose equal ridges, with finely obliquely striate interstices and more or less obvious spiral striae. The aperture is oblique and subquadrangular, with the outer lip plicate within and dentate above, the tooth usually bifid. The basal margin is curved and crenulate within. The columella is inserted deep in the rather narrow umbilicus, bearing a strong dentiform fold above and a large quadrangular biplicate tooth at the base. The parietal wall is wrinkled. The white umbilicus is smooth within and has a crenulate margin.
Reader's Guide
Clanculus corallinus is documented in several historical works, including Gmelin's 1791 edition of Systema Naturae, Salis Marschlins' 1793 travel writings, Payraudeau's 1826 catalog of Corsican mollusks, and Bucquoy, Dautzenberg & Dollfus's 1882–1886 study of Roussillon marine mollusks. More recently, it was listed in the 2001 European register of marine species. The species is known from the Mediterranean Sea. Its shell morphology—particularly the granose ridges, bifid tooth on the outer lip, and the biplicate tooth at the base of the columella—distinguishes it within the genus. The considerable color variation noted in the description suggests adaptability or polymorphism, though the article does not elaborate on causes. The species remains a recognized member of the Trochidae family, with external references such as Gastropods.com providing additional identification resources.
Did You Know?
- The shell size of Clanculus corallinus ranges from 6 mm to 10 mm.
- This species occurs in the Mediterranean Sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clanculus corallinus?
It is a small marine gastropod mollusk placed in the Trochidae family, the group commonly called top snails. As a Mediterranean species, it is best recognized by its compact, rounded shell and granose surface texture.
How large is a Clanculus corallinus shell?
The shell typically spans 6 to 10 millimeters in length. Its overall form is globose-conic, and it features a distinct white umbilicus at the base.
What does a Clanculus corallinus shell look like?
The shell is generally coral-red or brown, accented by narrow white flame-like marks beneath the sutures, scattered brown maculations, and small white dots on the base. Individual coloration can shift dramatically, so two specimens of the same species may look quite different.
How many whorls and ridges does Clanculus corallinus have?
The conic, acute spire carries five to six convex whorls, each bearing spiral granose ridges. The rounded body whorl is encircled by 14 or 15 prominent, evenly spaced granose ridges.
Where is Clanculus corallinus found?
It is a Mediterranean species, so it is typically encountered in the shallow coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Its tiny size and striking granose shell make it a popular find for shell collectors and marine invertebrate enthusiasts in that region.
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