worm shell

worm shell

▪ gastropod family
      any marine snail of the family Vermetidae (subclass Prosobranchia, class Gastropoda). The shell of these snails consists of an irregularly coiled, narrow tube that resembles a worm. Most species of both families live cemented to rock or coral substrates, and many are found in coral reef habitats. They feed on suspended particulate matter in seawater, which they obtain by secreting a mucous net from a gland in the foot. This net spreads out in the current, and food particles stick to it. After a few minutes the net is pulled in by the mouth and ingested and a new net spread. The snails often form a distinct zone on tropical shores and reach densities of more than 60,000 per square metre, producing thick deposits of intertwined shells.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • Worm-shell — n. (Zo[ o]l.) Any species of Vermetus. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • worm shell — noun : a shell of Vermetus or a related genus * * * worm shell, 1. the shell of any one of a family of gastropod mollusks, in the young animal regularly conic and spiral, but later having whorls separate, and often crooked or contorted, with a… …   Useful english dictionary

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  • worm tube — noun 1. : the membranous shell like tube made by many marine worms; also : such a tube when fossilized 2. : worm 6d(2) * * * worm tube noun The twisted shell or tube produced by several marine worms • • • …   Useful english dictionary

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  • Screw worm — Screw Screw (skr[udd]), n. [OE. scrue, OF. escroue, escroe, female screw, F. [ e]crou, L. scrobis a ditch, trench, in LL., the hole made by swine in rooting; cf. D. schroef a screw, G. schraube, Icel. skr[=u]fa.] 1. A cylinder, or a cylindrical… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Screw shell — Screw Screw (skr[udd]), n. [OE. scrue, OF. escroue, escroe, female screw, F. [ e]crou, L. scrobis a ditch, trench, in LL., the hole made by swine in rooting; cf. D. schroef a screw, G. schraube, Icel. skr[=u]fa.] 1. A cylinder, or a cylindrical… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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