Trochus
Five views of a shell of Trochus maculatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Vetigastropoda
Order: Trochida
Superfamily: Trochoidea
Family: Trochidae
Genus: Trochus
Linnaeus, 1758
Species

See text

Synonyms[1]
  • Camelotrochus B. A. Marshall, 1998
  • Infundibulops Pilsbry, 1889
  • Infundibulum (Lamprostoma) Swainson, 1840
  • Lamprostoma Swainson, 1840
  • Polydonta Schumacher, 1817
  • Praecia J. E. Gray, 1857 ·
  • Trochus (Camelotrochus) B. A. Marshall, 1998· alternate representation
  • Trochus (Infundibulops) Pilsbry, 1889 · alternate representation
  • Trochus (Polydonta) Schumacher, 1817
  • Trochus (Praecia) J. E. Gray, 1857 · alternate representation
  • Trochus (Trochus) Linnaeus, 1758 · alternate representation

Trochus is a genus of medium-to large-sized, top-shaped sea snails with an operculum, of the family Trochidae, the top snails.[1]

When the word "trochus" or "Trochus" is used in reference to fishing sea snails for commercial purposes, the usual species targeted is Tectus niloticus, which is valued for its nacre or mother of pearl layer, which was traditionally made into items such as pearl buttons and jewelry. Tectus niloticus is no longer classified as a Trochus species, and it is no longer classified in the family Trochidae; it is now placed in the family Tegulidae.

History

The name Trochus, according to P. Fischer[2] was used for the first time by Guillaume Rondelet, in 1558, who assembled under this title a rather miscellaneous assortment of univalves. Linnaeus' genus Trochus is composed principally of true Trochidae, but it is now viewed as having contained species of several other very different families.

Lamarck further restricted the group, by eliminating several genera; and in the 19th century the labors of Gray, H. Adams and A. Adams and others, contributed towards a more systematic arrangement of the family.[3] Further revisions have narrowed down the number of species in this genus, and most names have become synonyms.

Shell description

Sea snails in the genus Trochus have large, thick, solid shells that have a broadly conical spire and a flat to convex base. The periphery is angulated. The outer and basal lips are smooth within. The columella has a strong fold above, ending in an obtuse tooth below.[3]

The interior of the shell is pearly and iridescent because of a thick layer of nacre (mother of pearl).

Species

Species within the genus Trochus include:[1]

Synonyms

Long list of synonyms
The following species are nomina dubia (names of unknown or doubtful application)
[1]
  • Trochus bicinctus Philippi, 1849
  • Trochus quadricinctus Mühlfeld, 1824
Species inquirenda
[1]
  • Trochus artensis P. Fischer, 1878
  • Trochus fabrei Montrouzier in Fischer, 1878
  • Trochus incarnatus Philippi, 1846
  • Trochus pulchellus Philippi, 1846
  • Trochus reevei Montrouzier in Souverbie & Montrouzier, 1866
  • Trochus rhodomphalus Souverbie in Souverbie & Montrouzier, 1875
  • Trochus saga Philippi, 1846
  • Trochus scrobiculatus Souverbie in Souverbie & Montrouzier, 1866
  • Trochus sublaevis Geinitz, 1842
  • Trochus subviridis Philippi, 1848

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S. (2010). Trochus Linnaeus, 1758. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=138598 on 5 December 2012
  2. ↑ P. Fischer. Monog. Genre Troque, in Kiener's Coquilles Vivantes, Paris, 1880.
  3. 1 2 Tryon (1889), Manual of Conchology XI, Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia
  • A. Adams, Contributions toward a Monograph of the Trochidae, in Proc. Zool. Soc, 1851, pp. 150–192.
  • R- A. Philippi, Monograph of Trochus in Syst. Conchylien Cabinet, ed. 2 (1846 to about 1856).
  • Lovell Reeve, In Conchologia Iconica vol. xiii. (1861) (a very incomplete work)
  • Herbert G.G. (1993). Revision of the Trochinae, tribe Trochini (Gastropoda: Trochidae) of southern Africa. Annals of the natal Museum 34(2):239-308.
  • Gofas, S.; Le Renard, J.; Bouchet, P. (2001). Mollusca, in: Costello, M.J. et al. (Ed.) (2001). European register of marine species: a check-list of the marine species in Europe and a bibliography of guides to their identification. Collection Patrimoines Naturels, 50: pp. 180–213

Further reading

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