Gadilidae [Gadilidae]

Description

The Gadilidae family, also part of the order Gadilida, includes species also known as tusk shells, similar to those in the Dentaliidae family but often distinguished by differences in shell structure and living habits. Gadilidae species possess elongated, tubular shells that can be either straight or slightly curved, with a distinctive slit or hole near the shell's opening. These invertebrates are found in a range of marine environments, from coastal areas to deep-sea habitats. They feed on microscopic organisms by filtering them from the water using their captacula. Gadilidae are important members of the benthic community, contributing to the marine food web.