Guilfordia

Guilfordia is a genus of small, predatory sea snails in the family Muricidae, commonly known as rock snails. These marine gastropod mollusks are found in the Indo-Pacific region. The genus was first described by J.H. McLean in 1995. Species within Guilfordia are characterized by their relatively small size, often less than 3 centimeters in length, and their intricately sculptured shells. These shells typically feature prominent axial ribs and spiral cords, giving them a rough and textured appearance. The aperture of the shell is usually ovate, and the siphonal canal is short.

The diet of Guilfordia snails consists primarily of other invertebrates, such as bivalves and polychaete worms, which they locate and prey upon using their radula. They are often found in rocky intertidal zones and shallow subtidal habitats. Reproduction in Guilfordia, like other muricids, involves the laying of egg capsules. The exact distribution and abundance of many Guilfordia species can vary, and some may be more localized than others. Research on this genus often focuses on shell morphology, evolutionary relationships within the Muricidae family, and their ecological roles in shallow marine environments.