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Family Buccinidae - buccinum whelks
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Order
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Class
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Gastropoda
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No. of Genera in Ref.
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No. of Species in Ref.
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Environment
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Fresh : No |
Brackish : Yes |
Marine : Yes
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Aquarium
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First Fossil Record
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Remark
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Shell globose, ovate-conical to fusiform in shape, generally with a fairly high spire and large body whorl. Outer surface smooth or with axial and spiral elements of sculpture; without axial varices and developed spines. Periostracum usually prominent. Aperture ovate to rounded, anterior siphonal canal broadly open and short. Operculum corneous, with its nucleus near the anterior end or submedian. Head with long snout and eyes at the outer bases of the tentacles. Foot large, broad and truncate anteriorly. Fleshy siphon well developed. This large family contains numerous species living in various boreal, temperate and tropical environments, from intertidal and shallow waters to depths of more than 3000 m. Mostly carnivores and scavengers, feeding on worms or other molluscs, or on dead fishes and crabs. Sexes separate, fertilization internal. Eggs laid in horny capsules, either singly or in masses. In capsules, some eggs may provide food for the developing embryos. Hatching occurring generally at the crawling stage, but a planktonic free-swimming larval stage may exist in some species. In the area, as well as in other parts of the world, the flesh is served for food and the shell is utilized in the shellcraft industries. Caught by fishermen in traps baited with fish heads or putrid meat (Ref. 348).
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Etymology
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Division
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Reproductive guild
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Typical activity level
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Main Ref.
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Coordinator
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