'Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi'
Abstract
Umbonium species commonly called as 'button
shells' are the smallest gastropod shells under the
family Trochidae and subfamily Umboninae. They
are also known as 'button top shells' or 'button snails'.
They come in vast array of colours, in shades of
grey, brown, olive green, pink, red, yellow or even
white, almost uniform or with different axial and/
or spiral patterns. Even in single species various
colour and patterns can be seen. They are
distributed in the Indo-West Pacific regions where
they lie burrowed in the shallow, soft and sandy
bottoms. They occur in high densities and the
individuals are usually very active. They feed on
detritus and algae, sometimes depending on filter
feeding unlike other snails. When confronted by
predators they bury into the sandy bottom using
their long foot or float into the water column to
escape. They are non-edible ornamental gastropods
that have high demand in the ornamental shellcraft
industry
Is data on this page outdated, violates copyrights or anything else? Report the problem now and we will take corresponding actions after reviewing your request.