Flamingo tongue snails

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Flamingo tongue snails

Flamingo tongue snails (Cyphoma gibbosum) feeding on a sea fan (Gorgonia sp.). These sea snails feed on the polyps of sea fans, sucking them out of their holes with their syphons (not seen). The snails shell is a dull beige colour (right), but it has a brightly patterned fleshy mantle, which it extrudes and wraps around its shell (left). Flamingo tongue snails measure between 2 and 4 centimetres. Photographed in the Bahamas, in the Caribbean Sea

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6464000

© GEORGETTE DOUWMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Bahamas Caribbean Sea Coral Eating Feeding Gastropod Gorgonian Mantle Mollusc Patterned Sea Fan Shell Snail Andros Island Common Sea Fan Cyphoma Gibbosum Flamingo Tongue Gorgonia Ventalina

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing sight of Flamingo tongue snails gracefully feasting on a vibrant sea fan. In this underwater scene captured in the Bahamas, these small but fascinating creatures can be seen delicately extracting polyps from the sea fan's intricate structure using their syphons, which unfortunately remain unseen in this image. The snail's shell may appear dull and beige on one side, but its true allure lies in its brightly patterned fleshy mantle that wraps around the opposite side of the shell. This striking display adds a burst of color to an otherwise muted exterior. With measurements ranging between 2 and 4 centimeters, these Flamingo tongue snails prove that beauty can come in small packages. As inhabitants of coral reefs, these mollusks play an essential role within their marine ecosystem. Their feeding habits demonstrate a harmonious interaction with their surroundings as they extract sustenance from the sea fan without causing harm or damage. This photograph not only captures a moment of natural wonder but also serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity found beneath our oceans' surfaces. It highlights both the delicate balance and extraordinary patterns present in nature while showcasing the unique biological characteristics of these Caribbean-dwelling gastropods known as Flamingo tongue snails (Cyphoma gibbosum).

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