Cantharus (gastropod)

The genus was introduced by Röding in 1798 for species then placed in Buccinum by Gmelin. Historically, Cantharus has been associated with several different families, including Fasciolariidae, but modern authors consistently place it in Pisaniidae. Some workers divide the genus into subgenera on the basis of shell sculpture and aperture morphology, though these are not universally accepted. An extinct genus, Zeapollia Finlay, 1926, is now considered a synonym. == Description ==

Shells of Cantharus are typically thick, ovate-conical, and range from 20 to 60 mm in adult size. They often have strong spiral cords and axial ribs, producing a cancellate sculpture in some species. The aperture is oval with a thickened outer lip; the siphonal canal is short and slightly recurved. Coloration is variable, with patterns of brown, yellow, or white, sometimes banded. == Distribution and habitat ==

Species of Cantharus occur in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide. Most are recorded from the Indo-Pacific region, particularly the Indian Ocean and western Pacific, while a few species are found in the western Atlantic. They inhabit shallow to moderately deep marine environments, usually on sandy or muddy substrates near reefs or rocky shores. == Ecology ==

Like other members of Pisaniidae, Cantharus species are carnivorous or scavenging snails. They feed on small invertebrates, carrion, or organic detritus using a siphon to detect prey. Egg capsules are deposited on hard substrates; development is planktotrophic in most known species. == Species ==

, the World Register of Marine Species accepts 14 extant and 1 extinct species in the genus Cantharus: • †Cantharus acuticingulatus • Cantharus berryi • Cantharus bolivianus • Cantharus cecillei • Cantharus erythrostoma • Cantharus leucotaeniatus • Cantharus melanostoma • Cantharus petwayae • Cantharus rehderi • Cantharus salalahensis • Cantharus septemcostatus • Cantharus spiralis • Cantharus tranquebaricus • Cantharus vermeiji • Cantharus vezzarochristofei Cantharus elegans is present in some databases, but not the World Register of Marine Species. Cantharus porcatus is listed as a taxon inquirendum in WoRMS. == References ==