Octangular Tusk Shell

Dentalium octangulatum

Octangular Tusk Shell

The octangular tusk shell lives buried head down in sand and mud from shallow water to well over a thousand metres, its curved shell open like a tiny elephant tusk at both ends. Hidden threads sweep the sediment for foraminifera and other microscopic prey.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Mollusca › Scaphopoda › Dentaliida › Dentaliidae › Dentalium

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 344171.

FAQ

How deep does the Octangular Tusk Shell live?
The Octangular Tusk Shell (Dentalium octangulatum) is typically found at 5–1380 m.
Is the Octangular Tusk Shell dangerous to divers?
The Octangular Tusk Shell is harmless to divers.