Tonga Turbo [Smargadia tonga]
Description
The Tonga Turbo, or Smargadia tonga, is a unique marine species native to the waters surrounding the Tonga islands. This snail species inhabits a variety of marine environments, from shallow tidal pools to deeper coral reefs. The Tonga Turbo is easily distinguished by its robust, heavily sculptured shell, which is often a dark, glossy color. During the day, the Tonga Turbo hides in crevices or buries itself in the sand, emerging at night to feed on algae and other small organisms.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Gastropods
Gastropoda
|
| Order |
Cephalaspidea
Cephalaspidea
|
| Family |
Haminoeids
Haminoeidae
|
| Genus |
Smargadia
Smargadia
|