less than 1 minute read

Tusk Shells: Scaphopoda

Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Tusk Shells And People, Tusk Shell (antalis Entalis): Species AccountGEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, CONSERVATION STATUS



TUSK SHELL (Antalis entalis): SPECIES ACCOUNT

Tusk shells are found in cool and warm water oceans worldwide, from seashores to depths down to about 23,000 feet (7,000 meters).


Tusk shells are found only in soft, muddy ocean bottoms where they burrow to search for food.


Tusk shells eat microscopic organisms, especially foraminiferans (fo-re-mi-NIH-fer-ehns), single-celled organisms that have a nucleus. The nucleus is a structure that contains the genetic information. Other species feed on tiny crustaceans, as well as clams and their relatives.




No species of scaphopod is considered threatened or endangered.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceMollusks, Crustaceans, and Related Species