Tusk Shells [Dentaliidae]

Description

Dentaliidae, commonly known as tusk shells, are a family of scaphopod mollusks. These marine animals are characterized by their elongated, tusk-like shells, which are open at both ends and typically made of calcium carbonate. Members of this family are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow to deep waters. They live buried in sediment with the anterior end protruding for feeding. Dentaliidae feed by extending a long, sticky tentacle-like structure (the captacula) to capture microorganisms and detritus from the surrounding water.