Amalda booleyi is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropodmollusk in the familyAncillariidae, commonly known as olive shells or ancillariids.[1] This species was originally described from the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean.
Description
The shell of Amalda booleyi attains a length of 12.5 mm.[2] It exhibits an elongated, fusiform shape typical of the genus Amalda, with a glossy surface and a narrow, pointed spire. The shell likely features a smooth or faintly sculptured exterior, possibly with subtle spiral lines, and a thickened, calloused columella, characteristic of Ancillariidae. The original description notes its small size and includes an illustration (plate 13, figure 8), suggesting a polished, olive-like appearance.[2] Coloration is not explicitly detailed in accessible sources but may include shades of cream, brown, or olive, common in the family. The aperture is narrow and elongated, with a short siphonal canal.
Distribution
This marine species occurs off the Andaman Islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India, located in the eastern Indian Ocean.[1][2] Specific depth ranges or habitat preferences are not provided in the original description, but it is likely found in shallow coastal waters, typical of ancillariids.
Ecology
As a member of the Ancillariidae family, Amalda booleyi is presumed to be a carnivorous or scavenging gastropod, feeding on small invertebrates such as worms or other mollusks, which it locates in sandy or muddy substrates.[3] The glossy shell and thickened columella suggest an adaptation to life buried in soft sediments, a trait common among olive shells. Its habitat off the Andaman Islands likely includes sandy bottoms or reef-associated areas, though precise ecological data for this species is lacking.
Taxonomy
Amalda booleyi was originally described as Ancilla booleyi by James Cosmo Melvill and Ernest Ruthven Sykes in 1897, based on specimens collected from the Andaman Islands.[2] The species was later reassigned to the genus Amalda, reflecting taxonomic revisions within the Ancillariidae family. The World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) recognizes it as a valid species under its current name, with Ancilla booleyi listed as the original combination.[1] The specific epithet "booleyi" likely honors a collector or contributor associated with the Andaman expedition, though this is not specified in the original text.
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