Longchaeus candidus is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Pyramidellidae, the pyrams and their allies.WoRMS (2010). Longchaeus candidus (Mörch, 1875). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=420462 on 2011-10-26Rosenberg, G., F. Moretzsohn, and E. F. García. 2009. Gastropoda (Mollusca) of the Gulf of Mexico, Pp. 579–699 in Felder, D.L. and D.K. Camp (eds.), Gulf of Mexico–Origins, Waters, and Biota. Biodiversity. Texas A&M Press, College Station, Texas.
Description
External shell and structure The elongate conical shell of L. candidus grows to a length of 14 mm. L. candidus is originally described (as Obeliscus (Longchaeus) candidus) as having a narrow, white glossy or translucent shell with a median groove. The shell has a canaliculate suture bilaterally, a subtly crenulated dentate, and incremental lyrae. L. candidus has two internal dentate lyrae. Specimen photos show L. candidus as having approximately 10-12 whorls that are gently convex. The whorls have an axial sculpture of significantly impressed lines. The sutures between whorls are similarly impressed.
Live snail Species in the family Pyramidellidae have an extensible proboscis that can be used to pierce their prey, but lack a functional radula.
Distribution and habitat This species occurs in the following locations: Gulf of Mexico Caribbean Sea : Panama, Virgin Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off West Africa, North Carolina, the Bahamas, North Brazil L. candidus is a marine benthic species. Specimens are primarily documented as being found in waters less than 60 meters below the surface, with a group of specimens also being found at between 170-180 meters below the surface.
Life habits
Diet L. candidus, like other species in Pyramidellidae, are carnivorous ectoparasites. Species in Pyramidellidae feed primarily on clams, oysters, polychaetes, and occasionally other gastropods.
Reproduction Species in the family Pyramidellidae are simultaneous hermaphrodites and reproduce sexually.
Locomotion L. candidus moves by mucus mediated gliding. Pyramidellidae species are primarily sedentary, attaching themselves to their host to feed for extended periods of time.
References
External links Encyclopedia of Life World Register of Marine Species