Columbellidae

Columbellidae, commonly known as dove snails, are a family of small to medium-sized marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Buccinoidea. They occur worldwide, with the greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical seas, from shallow coastal zones to moderate depths on coral reefs, rocky shores, and sandy bottoms.

Shells in this family are typically small to medium and often elongate, with a well-developed siphonal canal. The aperture is elongated and the outer lip is frequently thickened and may be denticulate inside; the columella often bears one or more folds. Shell surfaces are usually glossy and may show a variety of sculptures, including fine axial ribs or spiral cords and a wide range of color patterns, from drab to remarkably vivid.

Ecology and behavior: Columbellids are generally carnivorous or scavenging. They feed on small invertebrates and detritus, using a siphon and proboscis to sense and capture prey. They occur in a variety of subtidal habitats, and some species can tolerate brackish conditions.

Life history: Reproduction typically involves laying eggs in gelatinous capsules or ribbons, with many species having free-swimming larval stages before settlement.

Fossil record and significance: The family has a long fossil record, extending back at least to the Eocene, and includes numerous extinct genera. Columbellidae are of interest in molluscan taxonomy, biodiversity studies, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction.