More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Molluscs of Zihuatanejo
PHYLUM MOLLUSCA
Columbella fuscata
-Gastropods (Class Gastropoda)
-Caenogastropods (Subclass Caenogastropoda)
-Order Neogastropoda
-True Whelks and Allies (Superfamily Buccinoidea)
-Dove Snails (Family Columbellidae)
-Genus Columbella
-Columbella fuscata
Columbella fuscata is a small marine gastropod commonly found along the eastern Pacific coast, especially in rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. It has a slender, elongated shell with a smooth to finely textured surface, typically coloured dark brown to purplish or black, often with lighter bands or markings. The aperture is narrow and elongated, with a thickened outer lip that may show fine internal teeth, a characteristic feature of dove snails (family Columbellidae). This species is active and agile, often seen crawling over rocks and algae, where it feeds on microalgae, detritus, and small organic matter, playing a role in the intertidal ecosystem as a scavenger and grazer.
Description
The burnt dove shell (Columbella fuscata) is a small marine gastropod in the family Columbellidae. Its solid, elongated shell has a short pointed spire, a broad body whorl, and a narrow aperture with small tooth-like projections along the inner and outer lips. The shell is typically dark brown, chestnut, or tan, with distinctive white spots that often form triangular markings below the sutures. The interior is white to pale lavender, and the shell usually reaches 11–22 mm in length.
Range
This species occurs in the eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California and western Mexico south along the coasts of Central America to Peru, including the Galápagos Islands. It is present along the Pacific coast of Mexico, including Zihuatanejo, Guerrero.
Habitat
The burnt dove shell inhabits rocky shores and sandy areas in the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal waters, generally to depths of about 6 m. It can be found crawling over sand, beneath rocks, and among rocky crevices where food and shelter are available.
Diet
Columbella fuscata is an opportunistic omnivore that grazes on algae and organic films while also feeding on detritus and small animal matter. Its varied diet allows it to forage across rocky and sandy coastal habitats.