Xenophoridae, common name carrier shells, are a taxonomic family of medium-sized to large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the order Sorbeoconcha.
| Xenophoridae | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Subclass: | |
| Superorder: | |
| Order: | |
| Suborder: | |
| Family: | Xenophoridae Philippi, 1853
|
| Genera | |
|
See text. | |
Distribution
This family is tropical.
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.
Genera within the family Xenophoridae
References
- "Calyptraeidae". Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
- Powell A. W. B., New Zealand Mollusca, William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
- [1]