Tusk Shells [Dentaliidae]

Description

Dentaliidae, commonly known as tusk shells, are a family of scaphopod mollusks that resemble miniature elephant tusks. These marine animals are characterized by their elongated, tubular shells, which are open at both ends. The larger opening (aperture) is where the head and foot of the animal protrude for feeding and movement, while the smaller end is buried in the sediment. Dentaliidae are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow to deep waters, and feed on microorganisms and detritus, which they capture using a sticky, tentacle-like structure called a captacula.