Xenophoridae

Taxobox
name = Xenophoridae


image_caption =
image_width =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis = Gastropoda
subclassis = Orthogastropoda
superordo = Caenogastropoda
ordo = Sorbeoconcha
subordo = Hypsogastropoda
infraordo = Littorinimorpha
superfamily = Xenophoroidea
familia = Xenophoridae
familia_authority = Troschel, 1852 (1840)
subdivision_ranks = Genera
subdivision = See text.
synonyms =

Xenophoridae, common name carrier shells, are a taxonomic family of medium-sized to large sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the order Sorbeoconcha.

Xenophorids are unusual in that in many of the species the animal cements small stones or shells to the edge of the shell as it grows, thus the shells of those species are sometimes humorously referred to as "shell-collecting shells". The genus name "Xenophora" comes from two ancient Greek words and means "bearing (or carrying) foreigners".

Distribution

This family is tropical.

hell description

The shells of Xenophoridae are top-shaped, with a fairly depressed spire and a flat to concave base. The body whorl overhangs at the periphery and sometimes forms a flange. Most carrier shells have an open, deep umbilicus and a thin, usually smooth, horny operculum.

The outer finish of the shell is generally dull white, beige, tan or brown, whereas the soft parts may be brilliantly coloured.

Characteristically, the shell is covered at the periphery with a series of other shells, pebbles, or other objects which are cemented to the shell with secretions from the animal. All bivalve shells are attached with the inner side up, and gastropods are usually attached with the aperture up.

Genera within the family Xenophoridae

* "Stellarium"
* "Turgurium"
* "Xenophora" Fischer von Waldheim, 1807

References

*
* Powell A. W. B., "New Zealand Mollusca", William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1979 ISBN 0-00-216906-1
* [http://shells.tricity.wsu.edu/ArcherdShellCollection/Gastropoda/Xenophoridae.html]