Spindles, Horse Conchs, and Tulip Shells of the Fasciolariidae Family

Five Horse Conches, Spindles and Tulip Shells of the Fasciolariidae Family can be found in this website:

Phylogeny: The Spindle Shells, Horse Conchs, and Tulip Shells of the Fasciolariidae Family are gastropod mollusks in the order Neogastropoda. Neogastropods are characterized by having a long siphonal canal, a well developed siphonal notch,  and a specialized radula. Many species in this order have a narrow aperture. Neogastropods are primarily marine snails and most of the well-known shell families are in this order. The Fasciolariiidae Family is in the superfamily Buccinoidea, which is one of seven superfamilies in this order. Superfamily Buccinoidea consists of twenty families. The Fasciolariidae Family is a large family, with three subfamilies, one hundred nine genera, and around five hundred fifty species. Shells in this family are generally referred to as Fasciolariids.

Description: Fasciolariids are fairly diverse in appearance. They are medium to very large in size, and generally fusiform (spindle-shaped).  These shells have medium to high spires. Their siphon canals vary from short to very long. The exterior sculpting maybe smooth or consist of axial ridges, spiral ribs or nodules. They lack varices. The whorl shoulders are usually prominent. Their apertures can be small to large and may have outer lips that are smooth or marked with fine teeth. The columella usually displays one fold. Fasciolariids tend to be drably-colored, but some have striking color patterns. Most shells in this family will have a periostracum and all shells have a corneous (horn-like material) operculum. The largest species in this family reach 60.6 cm (23.8 inches) in length.

Habitat and Distribution: As a general rule, the shorter shells in the Fasciolariidae Family are found attached to rock or coral in the intertidal zone and at depths up to 3,600 m (11,800 feet). Species with long siphon canals are found in deeper water environments over and within sand substrate. Fasciolariids are found worldwide in tropical to temperate seas. At least twenty species are found in Mexican waters.

Natural History: Fasciolariids are predators that consume barnacles, bivalves, gastropods, and worms. In turn they are preyed upon by sea stars, shorebirds,  fish, crabs, predatory mollusks and sea stars. The are gonochoric and reproduce sexually with internal fertilization. Fasciolariids are edible but most species are tough and not highly rated as a food source. Shell collectors seek these shells for their size and graceful shapes.