#architectonica perspectiva

Architectonica perspectiva, common name the clear or perspective sundial shell, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Architectonicidae, which are known as the staircase shells or sundials. The snail is common in Indo-Pacific Asia and around India.

Architectonica perspectiva

Sometimes known as the Clear or Perspective Sundial Snail, Architectonica perspectiva is a species of staircase snail (Architectonicidae) which occurs in sandy waters throughout the Indo-Pacific. Adult A. perspectiva are thought to feed mainly on burrowing sea anemones and sea pens. They are also known to posses a tough cuticle which lines their mouth region, this is thought to serve as added protection against stings. 

Classification

Animalia-Mollusca-Gastropoda-Heterobranchia-”Lower Heterobranchia”-Architectonicoidea-Architectonicidae-Architectonica-A. perpsectiva

Perspective Sundial Snail

(Architectonica perspectiva)

also known as the clear sundial snail, is a species of sea snail of the family Architectonicidae (sundial snails) found in sandy waters all over the Indo-pacific. not too much is known about this species other than it is around 5cm in diameter and it's body matches the patterns on it's shell. one can only assume they haven't been extensively researched.

Phylogeny

Animalia-Mollusca-Gastropoda-Heterobranchia-Architectonicoidea-Architectonicidae-Architectonica-perspectiva

CLEAR SUNDIAL SNAIL (Architectonica perspectiva)

©Annelise Fleddum, University of Oslo

One of 4,000 species of mollusk found off Tasmania

Where seen? The delightful living snail are sometimes encountered on our Southern shores. Elsewhere, it is considered moderately common and usually found subtidally on sandy and muddy bottoms, from depths of 10 to 120m, mostly between 10 and 65m. Features: 5-6cm in diameter. An unmistakable snail, the shell coils form a flat disc-shape with a flat base. The shell is beautifully banded in shades of black and brown. The body is striped too, to match the shell. The operculum is made of a horn-like material. What does it eat? It is said to eat burrowing sea anemones and sea pens. The mouth region is lined with a tough cuticle as a protection against stings of their prey. Status and threats: The Clear sundial snail is listed as 'Endangered' in the Red List of threatened animals of Singapore. The original shores where they were found have been lost to reclamation.

Fact Source: http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/mollusca/gastropoda/architectonicidae/perspectiva.htm

Other photos you may enjoy:

Flamingo Tongue Snail

Tapestry Cone Snail