Lightning Whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum)
Lightning Whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum)
Description
Description
The Lightning Whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum) is an edible marine gastropod mollusk. They are found in the sandy substrate of shallow embayments of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and southeastern North America, from New Jersey south to Florida. As a large predatory sea snail, it mostly eats bivalves by using its proboscis to ingest the soft parts. They are active during the daytime, and when feeding on mudflats, they prefer to stay in deeper waters. Native Americans have used Lightning Whelks for food, and used their shells for tools, ornaments, and to make jewelry. The species is the state shell of Texas.
Dimensions & Sizes
Dimensions & Sizes
Lightning Whelks have a length between 2.5”-16” (6.4-40.6 cm), width from 1.57”-8.27” (4-21 cm), height of 1.57”-8.27” (4-21 cm), and weight in the range of 1.54-1.98 lb (.7-.9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Lightning Whelk is 10-15 years.
Description
Description
The Lightning Whelk (Sinistrofulgur perversum) is an edible marine gastropod mollusk. They are found in the sandy substrate of shallow embayments of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and southeastern North America, from New Jersey south to Florida. As a large predatory sea snail, it mostly eats bivalves by using its proboscis to ingest the soft parts. They are active during the daytime, and when feeding on mudflats, they prefer to stay in deeper waters. Native Americans have used Lightning Whelks for food, and used their shells for tools, ornaments, and to make jewelry. The species is the state shell of Texas.
Dimensions & Sizes
Dimensions & Sizes
Lightning Whelks have a length between 2.5”-16” (6.4-40.6 cm), width from 1.57”-8.27” (4-21 cm), height of 1.57”-8.27” (4-21 cm), and weight in the range of 1.54-1.98 lb (.7-.9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Lightning Whelk is 10-15 years.
3D Model
3D Model
Common Questions
Common Questions
Gastropods
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Gastropods
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What do gastropods eat?
Gastropods usually have a variety of diets and thus the food they eat ranges a lot. Some gastropods species eat algae from the rocks along the ocean floor while others may feed on large marine plants such as kelp. Some gastropods are bottom feeders and search the ocean floor for food.
Where do gastropods live?
Gastropods live in both terrestrial and marine environments, but most species of gastropods live in bodies of water all around the world. Some gastropod species live in coral reef habitats, but generally gastropods are considered one of the most diverse species in their habitats.
How do gastropods reproduce?
The way gastropods reproduce depends highly from one group to another as gastropods are a diverse group of animals. The majority of gastropods reproduce through internal fertilization. Gastropods are also capable of being either male, female, or hermaphrodites which gives them their unique reproduction system.
What do gastropods eat?
Gastropods usually have a variety of diets and thus the food they eat ranges a lot. Some gastropods species eat algae from the rocks along the ocean floor while others may feed on large marine plants such as kelp. Some gastropods are bottom feeders and search the ocean floor for food.
Where do gastropods live?
Gastropods live in both terrestrial and marine environments, but most species of gastropods live in bodies of water all around the world. Some gastropod species live in coral reef habitats, but generally gastropods are considered one of the most diverse species in their habitats.
How do gastropods reproduce?
The way gastropods reproduce depends highly from one group to another as gastropods are a diverse group of animals. The majority of gastropods reproduce through internal fertilization. Gastropods are also capable of being either male, female, or hermaphrodites which gives them their unique reproduction system.
Mollusks
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Mollusks
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What do mollusks eat?
A mollusk’s diet may vary depending on its species. For example, mollusks that have their body between 2 shells are herbivores that eat algae. Meanwhile, squids and octopuses eat fish and other sea creatures. Mollusk snails can be either herbivores or carnivores.
How do mollusks move?
The way a mollusk moves depends if it lives on land or water. Mollusks that live on land move very slowly on a foot. Mollusks that live in the water eject water out of their body to move themselves. Some mollusks, like oysters and clams, do not move but rather attach themselves to a rock or a surface.
How do mollusks breath?
Aquatic mollusks breath by using gills, called ctenidia that are in their mantle cavity. Mollusks that live on land do not have gills and breathe through their mantle cavity that has a surface lined with blood vessels. Diffusion of air happens through the moist skin of mollusks.
What do mollusks eat?
A mollusk’s diet may vary depending on its species. For example, mollusks that have their body between 2 shells are herbivores that eat algae. Meanwhile, squids and octopuses eat fish and other sea creatures. Mollusk snails can be either herbivores or carnivores.
How do mollusks move?
The way a mollusk moves depends if it lives on land or water. Mollusks that live on land move very slowly on a foot. Mollusks that live in the water eject water out of their body to move themselves. Some mollusks, like oysters and clams, do not move but rather attach themselves to a rock or a surface.
How do mollusks breath?
Aquatic mollusks breath by using gills, called ctenidia that are in their mantle cavity. Mollusks that live on land do not have gills and breathe through their mantle cavity that has a surface lined with blood vessels. Diffusion of air happens through the moist skin of mollusks.
Invertebrates
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Invertebrates
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How do invertebrates protect their soft bodies?
Invertebrates can effectively protect their soft bodies through an outer hard casing that is referred to as the exoskeleton. Invertebrates like spiders, crustaceans, and insects have their exoskeletons made through sections of jointed legs. Others like mollusks like snails and clams have a hard shell in which they can hide when danger is present.
What is the difference between an invertebrate and a vertebrate?
The difference between an invertebrate and a vertebrate is that invertebrates have no backbones while vertebrates have a developed internal skeleton with cartilage and bones as well as a developed brain that is protected by a skull. Vertebrates also cannot make their food, while invertebrates make their food.
Why are invertebrates important?
Invertebrates are important because like bees they help with pollination, as well as help clear and clean up the environment. Invertebrates are also important because they are soil aerators and creators as they help grow food crops. They also provide eco-system balance and serve as food for other species within the food chain.
How do invertebrates protect their soft bodies?
Invertebrates can effectively protect their soft bodies through an outer hard casing that is referred to as the exoskeleton. Invertebrates like spiders, crustaceans, and insects have their exoskeletons made through sections of jointed legs. Others like mollusks like snails and clams have a hard shell in which they can hide when danger is present.
What is the difference between an invertebrate and a vertebrate?
The difference between an invertebrate and a vertebrate is that invertebrates have no backbones while vertebrates have a developed internal skeleton with cartilage and bones as well as a developed brain that is protected by a skull. Vertebrates also cannot make their food, while invertebrates make their food.
Why are invertebrates important?
Invertebrates are important because like bees they help with pollination, as well as help clear and clean up the environment. Invertebrates are also important because they are soil aerators and creators as they help grow food crops. They also provide eco-system balance and serve as food for other species within the food chain.
Oceanic | Marine Animals
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Oceanic | Marine Animals
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What do marine animals need to survive?
Factors that marine animals need to survive include bioluminescence which is when animals make their own light and helps them communicate and scare predators. Constant light, pressure, temperature, and food are factors needed to remain stable and help marine animals evolve to survive. Marine animals that live within the deep sea can withstand the cold.
Why do we need to protect marine life?
Humans need to protect marine life because our actions and lifestyles have a direct impact on the ocean. We need to protect marine life and provide a safe and healthy environment that is not impacted by overfishing, climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, and other forms of human exploitation.
What is the most common animal in the ocean?
The most common animal in the ocean is the bristlemouth which is a vertebrate, an animal with a backbone. The bristlemouth is a tiny fish that can glow in the dark and has fangs that resemble needles. Bristlemouths are part of the 1 million species of animals that live in the ocean.
What do marine animals need to survive?
Factors that marine animals need to survive include bioluminescence which is when animals make their own light and helps them communicate and scare predators. Constant light, pressure, temperature, and food are factors needed to remain stable and help marine animals evolve to survive. Marine animals that live within the deep sea can withstand the cold.
Why do we need to protect marine life?
Humans need to protect marine life because our actions and lifestyles have a direct impact on the ocean. We need to protect marine life and provide a safe and healthy environment that is not impacted by overfishing, climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, and other forms of human exploitation.
What is the most common animal in the ocean?
The most common animal in the ocean is the bristlemouth which is a vertebrate, an animal with a backbone. The bristlemouth is a tiny fish that can glow in the dark and has fangs that resemble needles. Bristlemouths are part of the 1 million species of animals that live in the ocean.
Coastal Animals
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Coastal Animals
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How do animals adapt to the coast?
Animals adapt to the coast by adjusting to living in salty water as well as being able to withstand being covered or uncovered by the tide. Further coastal adaptations also include being able to hide or escape quickly from predators, finding food, and staying in a safe place as the tides move.
Why are coasts important for wildlife?
Coasts are important for wildlife because they serve as nesting grounds for species of sea turtles as well as are habitats for animals like beach mice. Coasts are also important foraging areas for migratory shorebirds. Coasts are important as they are used in cohesion by all species of animals.
How does coastal erosion affect animals?
Coastal erosion affects animals and humans as it causes sea levels to rise, flooding, as well as stronger waves. Coastal erosion also causes the gradual loss of land that is important to many animals. Coastal erosion is when a portion of land is lost within a shoreline by either natural events or manmade decisions.
How do animals adapt to the coast?
Animals adapt to the coast by adjusting to living in salty water as well as being able to withstand being covered or uncovered by the tide. Further coastal adaptations also include being able to hide or escape quickly from predators, finding food, and staying in a safe place as the tides move.
Why are coasts important for wildlife?
Coasts are important for wildlife because they serve as nesting grounds for species of sea turtles as well as are habitats for animals like beach mice. Coasts are also important foraging areas for migratory shorebirds. Coasts are important as they are used in cohesion by all species of animals.
How does coastal erosion affect animals?
Coastal erosion affects animals and humans as it causes sea levels to rise, flooding, as well as stronger waves. Coastal erosion also causes the gradual loss of land that is important to many animals. Coastal erosion is when a portion of land is lost within a shoreline by either natural events or manmade decisions.
Coral Reef Animals
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Coral Reef Animals
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Why do animals live in coral reefs?
Animals live in coral reefs because this habitat provides warm water as well as an abundant food supply. The physical form of coral reefs has a lot of nooks and crannies that help fish hide from potential predators. Many small tropical fish typically live within coral reefs.
Can animals harm coral reefs?
Yes, animals can harm coral reefs if the predator populations can become too high, and thus corals can become devastated. Coral reefs can also be harmed through overheating causing them to dry out and overheat or become physiologically stressed which can lead to bleaching or death.
Is coral an animal or a plant?
A coral is an animal because they do not make its own food as a plant does. Corals have small tentacle-like arms that they use to capture their food from the water. Corals go through a unique process called symbiosis which benefits both animals and plant life.
Why do animals live in coral reefs?
Animals live in coral reefs because this habitat provides warm water as well as an abundant food supply. The physical form of coral reefs has a lot of nooks and crannies that help fish hide from potential predators. Many small tropical fish typically live within coral reefs.
Can animals harm coral reefs?
Yes, animals can harm coral reefs if the predator populations can become too high, and thus corals can become devastated. Coral reefs can also be harmed through overheating causing them to dry out and overheat or become physiologically stressed which can lead to bleaching or death.
Is coral an animal or a plant?
A coral is an animal because they do not make its own food as a plant does. Corals have small tentacle-like arms that they use to capture their food from the water. Corals go through a unique process called symbiosis which benefits both animals and plant life.
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