Fasciolariidae

Fasciolariidae is a family of predatory marine gastropods in the clade Neogastropoda. They are commonly known as spindle snails or tulip snails and include a number of genera such as Fasciolaria, Pleuroploca, Latirus, and Fusinus. Modern classifications divide the family into several subfamilies, including Fasciolariinae and Fusininae.

Shells in this family are typically elongated and spindle-shaped, with a long siphonal canal and a high spire. They often feature axial ribs and spiral cords, and the aperture is elongated. Colour and patterning vary widely among species, and many fasciolariid shells are prized by collectors for their shape and ornamentation.

Fasciolariidae are cosmopolitan, occurring in tropical to temperate seas worldwide. They inhabit a range of habitats from shallow subtidal zones to deeper waters, commonly found in sandy or muddy substrates and sometimes on coral reefs. They are active predators or scavengers, feeding on other mollusks and occasionally polychaetes, using a proboscis to explore and capture prey.

In addition to their ecological role, fasciolariids have a notable fossil record, dating back to the Cretaceous. This lineage contributes to our understanding of neogastropod evolution. Today, their shells continue to be studied for insights into shell formation and predatory behavior, while some species remain subject to shell collecting and habitat-related conservation concerns.