Clanculus denticulatus
A marine gastropod with a granulated, spotted shell.
Clanculus denticulatus, called the toothed clanculus, belongs to the Trochidae family of top snails. Its shell, which ranges from 7 to 13 mm in size, is depressed and conical, with spiral grooves. The pale reddish surface is dotted with rows of white and brown spots, and the ribs have a slightly granulated texture. Distinct, impressed sutures mark the shell, while the lower part of the body whorl is nearly smooth. Inside, the white umbilicus is smooth and bordered by a series of granules. The aperture is subquadrangular, with a crenulated outer lip and a smooth columellar lip that features a large tooth on the inside and slight roughness on the outer side. This marine species is found off Japan, the Philippines, and Australia.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Clanculus denticulatus
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The shell of Clanculus denticulatus is depressed and conical, with spiral grooves. Its pale reddish surface is ornamented with rows of white and brown spots, and the ribs are slightly granulated. The sutures are distinct and impressed, while the lower part of the body whorl is nearly smooth. The white umbilicus is smooth inside, with its edge furnished with a series of granules. The aperture is subquadrangular, the outer lip crenulated at the edge, and the columellar lip smooth with a large tooth at the inside and a little roughness on the outer side. This species occurs off Japan, the Philippines, and Australia.
Reader's Guide
Clanculus denticulatus is a species of sea snail in the family Trochidae, known as top snails. Its shell size varies between 7 mm and 13 mm. The species is distinguished by its depressed, conical shape, spiral grooves, and ornamentation of white and brown spots on a pale reddish background. The umbilicus is white and smooth inside, with a granulated edge. The aperture is subquadrangular, and the columellar lip bears a large tooth. The species is recorded from marine waters off Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. References include works by Gray (1826), Menke (1843), Wilson (1993), and Jansen (1995). Its common name, toothed clanculus, reflects the prominent tooth on the columellar lip.
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