Trochus | |
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Five views of a shell of Trochus maculatus | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Mollusca |
Class: | Gastropoda |
Subclass: | Vetigastropoda |
Order: | Trochida |
Superfamily: | Trochoidea |
Family: | Trochidae |
Genus: | Trochus Linnaeus, 1758 |
Species | |
See text | |
Synonyms [1] | |
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Trochus is a genus of medium-to large-sized, top-shaped sea snails with an operculum, of the family Trochidae, the top snails. [1]
When the word "trochus" or "Trochus" is used in reference to fishing sea snails for commercial purposes, the usual species targeted is Tectus niloticus , which is valued for its nacre or mother of pearl layer, which was traditionally made into items such as pearl buttons and jewelry. Tectus niloticus is no longer classified as a Trochus species, and it is no longer classified in the family Trochidae; it is now placed in the family Tegulidae.
The name Trochus, according to P. Fischer [2] was used for the first time by Guillaume Rondelet, in 1558, who assembled under this title a rather miscellaneous assortment of univalves. Linnaeus' genus Trochus is composed principally of true Trochidae, but it is now viewed as having contained species of several other very different families.
Lamarck further restricted the group, by eliminating several genera; and in the 19th century the labors of Gray, H. Adams and A. Adams and others, contributed towards a more systematic arrangement of the family. [3] Further revisions have narrowed down the number of species in this genus, and most names have become synonyms.
Sea snails in the genus Trochus have large, thick, solid shells that have a broadly conical spire and a flat to convex base. The periphery is angulated. The outer and basal lips are smooth within. The columella has a strong fold above, ending in an obtuse tooth below. [3]
The interior of the shell is pearly and iridescent because of a thick layer of nacre (mother of pearl).
Species within the genus Trochus include: [1]
Buccinum is a genus of medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the family Buccinidae, the true whelks.
Thais, sometimes known by the common names dog winkles or rock shells, is a genus of medium to large predatory sea snails with an operculum, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Muricidae.
Gibbula is a genus of small sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the subfamily Cantharidinae of the family Trochidae, the top snails.
Clanculus is a genus of sea snail, marine gastropod molluscs of the family Trochidae, the top shells.
Turbo is a genus of large sea snails with gills and an operculum, marine gastropod molluscs in the family Turbinidae, the turban snails.
Polinices is a genus of predatory sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the subfamily Polinicinae of the family Naticidae, commonly known as moon snails.
Natica is a genus of small to medium-sized predatory sea snails, marine gastropods in the subfamily Naticinae of the family Naticidae, the moon snails. The genus was erected by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1777.
Nerita is a genus of medium-sized to small sea snails with a gill and an operculum, marine gastropod molluscs in the subfamily Neritinae of the family Neritidae, the nerites.
Cymatium is a genus of small to large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Cymatiidae.
Patella is a genus of sea snails with gills, typical true limpets, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Patellidae, the true limpets.
Fissurella is a genus of small to medium-sized sea snails or limpets, marine gastropod mollusks in the subfamily Fissurellinae of the family Fissurellidae, the keyhole limpets.
Astraea is a genus of medium to large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Turbinidae, the turban snails.
Pisania is a genus of marine whelk in the family Pisaniidae. Some species prey on barnacles.
Columbella is a genus of small sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Columbellidae, the dove snails.
Jujubinus is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Trochidae, the top snails.
Monodonta is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Trochidae, the top snails.
Steromphala is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the subfamily Cantharidinae of the family Trochidae, the top snails.