Tun Shells [Tonna]

Description

Tonna is the principal and largest genus within the family Tonnidae, known commonly as tun shells. These are large sea snails characterized by their globular, thin, and lightweight shells. The shells of Tonna species are often attractively colored and can grow to a significant size, making them popular among collectors. Representatives of this genus are found in oceans worldwide, inhabiting sandy and muddy substrates where they prey on echinoderms, crustaceans, and mollusks. Tonna shells have a distinctive spiral pattern and large body whorl, with the aperture extending the length of the shell and a small spire relative to the body size. The genus is known for its ability to rapidly engulf prey, using a combination of their large foot and a powerful siphon to capture and consume their food.

Species

Atlantic Tun [Tonna galea]

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Giant Tun [Tonna galea galea]

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Pacific Tun [Tonna perdix]

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Antilles Tun [Tonna maculosa]

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Taxonomy