Nassariidae

Nassariidae is a family of marine gastropod mollusks commonly known as mud snails or dog whelks. They are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting sandy or muddy substrates in intertidal and subtidal zones. These snails are typically small to medium in size, with spirally coiled shells that can be ovate or fusiform. The shell surface is often sculptured with axial ribs or spiral cords, and the aperture is usually elongated with a prominent siphonal canal.

Nassariidae are predatory scavengers, feeding on dead fish, carrion, and small invertebrates. They possess a well-developed proboscis which they use to probe for food and to burrow into the sediment. Their diet and feeding habits make them important contributors to the decomposition process in marine ecosystems. Many species are active hunters, using their sense of smell to locate prey. They have a single gill and a single kidney, and their reproductive strategy is varied, with some species releasing eggs in gelatinous masses and others having direct development. They are a diverse group, with numerous genera and species, and their shells are often collected by shell enthusiasts.