Triton ShellsFamily: Cymatiidae. This family includes some of the largest living gastropods. Most Tritons have a hairy outer covering (periostracum) that protects the shell. Tritons feed on other mollusks and starfish. They secrete a paralyzing fluid that renders their prey helpless, then insert their mouthpart into the shell and eat the soft parts of the animal within. They dwell in tropical and warm waters and feature a thick and solid shell. Their egg capsules attach to rocks while their larvae may be free swimming for up to three months. This accounts for the wide distribution of the family. Interesting Facts: The larger Tritons have been used as trumpets since ancient times. For thousands of years, statues and pictures have shown the mythological god Triton or Neptune blowing the Triton shell trumpets. Interestingly, the first nuclear submarine to sail completely around the world back in 1960 was named Triton. The Triton Trumpet (Charonia tritonis) is protected in Australia because it feeds on the coral-eating Crown of Thorns Starfish. |