Flamingo tongue snail feeding on coral
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Flamingo tongue snail feeding on coral
Flamingo tongue snail (Cyphoma gibbosum) feeding on coral. This sea snail feeds by sucking the coral polyps out of their holes. The pattern on its shell is not actually on its shell, which is a dull beige. Instead the coloured part is the snails fleshy mantle, which it extrudes and wraps around its shell. The flamingo tongue can reach around three centimetres in length. Photographed off Bonaire island, Antilles, West Indies
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6295425
© CLAY COLEMAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Antilles Bonaire Caribbean Sea Coral Coral Reef Eating Feeding Gastropod Mollusc Molluscs Mollusk Mollusks Sea Fan Sea Snail Shell Snail West Indies Cyphoma Gibbosum Flamingo Tongue
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the mesmerizing sight of a Flamingo tongue snail delicately feeding on coral. The vibrant colors displayed on its shell are not actually part of the shell itself, but rather the fleshy mantle that envelops it. This unique sea snail, known as Cyphoma gibbosum, has a dull beige shell which contrasts beautifully with its extruded mantle. With a length reaching up to three centimeters, this tiny creature possesses an incredible ability to suck out coral polyps from their hiding places within the reef. Its feeding behavior showcases nature's intricate balance and symbiotic relationships found in marine ecosystems. Photographed off Bonaire island in the Antilles region of the West Indies, this image transports us into an underwater world teeming with life and diversity. The crystal-clear waters surrounding this Caribbean paradise provide an ideal habitat for these fascinating gastropods. As we admire this single Flamingo tongue snail amidst a sea fan backdrop, we are reminded of the wonders of marine biology and the delicate interconnectedness between species. This photograph serves as a reminder that even seemingly small organisms play vital roles in maintaining healthy coral reefs. Courtesy of Science Photo Library, this stunning image invites us to appreciate both the beauty and complexity found beneath our oceans' surfaces while igniting our curiosity about these remarkable mollusks and their role within our natural world.
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