Predatory Snails
Predatory snails are a group of carnivorous gastropods that primarily feed on other marine organisms, including bivalves and small fish. They possess specialized radulae, which are tongue-like structures with rows of tiny teeth, allowing them to scrape or cut their prey. These snails play a crucial role in their ecosystems by helping to control the populations of their prey.
One well-known example of a predatory snail is the conch snail, which uses its strong, muscular foot to hunt and capture prey. Another example is the moon snail, recognized for its ability to drill holes into the shells of bivalves to access the soft tissue inside. These adaptations make predatory snails effective hunters in their aquatic environments.