Urosalpinx cala
NameUrosalpinx cala
Scientific NameUrosalpinx cala
Common NameSmooth Oyster Drill (though 'oyster drill' is more commonly associated with U. cinerea, this species shares similar predatory habits)
FamilyMuricidae
GenusUrosalpinx
Speciescala
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina to Florida, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapefusiform
Average Size (mm)15-20
Identifying FeaturesCharacterized by its fusiform shape, prominent axial ribs crossed by finer spiral sculpture, resulting in a somewhat nodulose appearance. The aperture is relatively narrow, and the siphonal canal is short. Its size is typically small to medium for a muricid.
Raritycommon
Author CitationVerrill, 1884
Description
Two small, spindle-shaped marine gastropod shells, off-white to creamy white in color, resting on a sandy substrate. The shells exhibit prominent axial ribs and finer spiral lines, creating a somewhat cancellate or nodulose sculpture, particularly noticeable on the upper whorls. The spire is moderately high and conical, and the siphonal canal appears short. One shell shows faint brownish or yellowish streaks on its ribs.
