Distorsio ridens

Distorsio ridens
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Gastropoda
Subclass:	Caenogastropoda
Order:	Littorinimorpha
Superfamily:	Tonnoidea
Family:	Personidae
Genus:	Distorsio
Species:	D. ridens
Binomial name
Distorsio ridens (Reeve, 1844)
Synonyms
Distorsio (Distorsio) jenniernestae Emerson & Piech, 1992 Distorsio jenniernestae Emerson & Piech, 1992 Triton ridens Reeve, 1844 (original combination)

Distorsio ridens is a species of medium-sized sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Personidae, the Distortio snails.

Description

Distorsio ridens is a species of medium-sized marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Personidae. It is commonly known as the Distortio snail, a name it shares with other members of its genus. The shell of this species typically grows up to 88 mm in length. Its appearance is characterized by a distinct spiral shape, with pronounced ridges and a robust, thick shell. The coloration of the shell varies but often includes shades of brown, cream, and orange, giving it a striking appearance.

The aperture of the shell is large, and the overall structure is adapted for its marine lifestyle. The soft body of the snail is housed within this durable shell, which serves to protect it from predators.

Distribution

This species is found in the Caribbean Sea, where it inhabits coastal waters and rocky substrates. The species is typically located at moderate depths, where it can find food sources and avoid the roughest waters. Distorsio ridens is a species that thrives in warm, tropical waters, and it is an important part of the marine ecosystem in this region.

Habitat

Distorsio ridens prefers shallow waters with a rocky or coral-rich environment. These areas provide ample hiding spaces and feeding grounds for the snail. The species is most commonly found in regions with low wave activity, as its shell is better suited for calmer waters rather than turbulent surf.

Behavior and Diet

Like other snails in its family, Distorsio ridens is a carnivorous species. It feeds primarily on smaller mollusks, such as bivalves and other gastropods, which it hunts using its specialized radula—a toothed, tongue-like organ used for scraping food particles. The snail may also consume decaying organic material.

This species is not particularly social and tends to be solitary, moving slowly across the sea floor. Its behavior includes burrowing into sand or crevices to hide from predators or rest during periods of inactivity.

Reproduction

Little is known about the exact reproductive habits of Distorsio ridens, but like most gastropods, it is likely to reproduce sexually with external fertilization. The female lays eggs, which hatch into larvae that eventually undergo a transformation into juvenile snails. The development stages may vary based on environmental conditions such as water temperature and food availability.

Conservation Status

As of now, there are no significant threats listed for Distorsio ridens. The species is not currently considered endangered, but like many marine organisms, it could be impacted by changes in the marine environment, such as pollution and habitat destruction.

References

• MolluscaBase (2019). Distorsio ridens (Reeve, 1844). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species.
• Parth M. (2017). Seashells and Chinese snuff bottles. The collection Manfred Parth. München: Verlag Dr Friedrich Pfeil. ISBN 978-3-89937-218-2. pp. 157-162.
• Reeve L.A. (1844). Monograph of the genus Triton. In: Conchologia Iconica, vol. 2, pls 1-20 and unpaginated text. L. Reeve & Co., London.
• Emerson W.K. & Piech B.J. (1992). Remarks on Distorsio constricta (Broderip, 1833) and related species in the eastern Pacific Ocean, with the description of a new species (Gastropoda: Personidae). The Veliger. 35(2): 105-116.

External links

• Reeve L.A. (1844). Monograph of the genus Triton. In: Conchologia Iconica, vol. 2, pls 1-20 and unpaginated text. L. Reeve & Co., London
• Emerson W.K. & Piech B.J. (1992). Remarks on Distorsio constricta (Broderip, 1833) and related species in the eastern Pacific Ocean, with the description of a new species (Gastropoda: Personidae). The Veliger. 35(2): 105-116.
• Biolib.cz: image