Southern Carrier Shell [Xenophora conchyliophora]
Description
A species of large sea snail, it is known for attaching other shells and small pebbles to its own shell. This species is found in the Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico, and prefers sandy or muddy habitats. Its shell is thick and heavily calcified, providing protection against predators.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Gastropods
Gastropoda
|
| Order |
Littorinimorpha
Littorinimorpha
|
| Family |
Carrier Shells
Xenophoridae
|
| Genus |
Xenophora
Xenophora
|